On Dec 31, 2016 at approximately 11:41 PM Jackson County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a residence in Vernon Township regarding a male who was injured by a home made cannon.

Kyle S. Sexton age 30 of Seymour was attempting to dry fire a cannon made of 2" steel pipe when it exploded sending a piece of the pipe into the upper inside area of Sexton's right leg. This was at the home of Robert Helblig of rural Seymour.

Sexton planned to fire the device to celebrate the New Year when it exploded accidentally.  Sexton sustained a severe laceration to his right leg with severe bleeding. 

Crothersville Police Officer JL McElfresh administered first aid to slow the bleeding. Sheriff Reserve Deputies Steve Murphy and Rick Hirtzel also assisted at the scene, as well as JCSD Det./Crime Scene Technician Bob Lucas. Deputy Jesse Hutchinson led the investigation. Vernon Township Fire Department also assisted.

Jackson County Ambulance Service transported Sexton to Schneck Medical Center. He was later transferred to U of L Hospital In Louisville. Sexton's condition was listed as stable at the time he was being transferred to U of L.

Medics had requested an air ambulance but weather conditions prevented it from flying.