ALBANY — Police are investigating reports that an Albany man shot himself with a gun he kept in his bed.

The shooting occurred early Sunday, before dawn.  Thomas Strickland, the victim, told Albany Police, in a report from WALB, that he sleeps with his gun for protection.  However, he accidently shot himself early Sunday when he thought he heard someone in his house.

The incident occurred at 3100 Wax Myrtle Court in Albany.  Strickland was wounded in his right leg.

Authorities took him to Phoebe Putney Hospital for treatment.