Police: Former baseball star Jose Canseco shoots own hand

A former professional baseball player accidentally shot himself in the hand while cleaning his gun Tuesday afternoon, Las Vegas police said.

Police were called to Market Crest Drive, near Hollywood Boulevard and Bonanza Road, at about 2:30 p.m. on reports of a gun going off inside a home. Upon arrival, officers were met in the front yard by Jose Canseco, who told them his gun discharged while he was cleaning it, Lt. Mark Reddon said.

Canseco was wounded in his left hand and was taken to University Medical Center, Reddon said. Investigators confirmed the shooting was accidental.

Canseco was dubbed the 1988 American League Most Valuable Player, hitting 462 home runs during his major league career from 1985 to 2001.

In 2005, he resurfaced by penning a tell-all book about steroids in baseball. Then in 2013, Canseco faced charges of sexual assault that were later dropped.

Contact reporter Annalise Little at alittle@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0391. Find her on Twitter: @annalisemlittle.