A man who was shot in the head while snorkeling in a river is in good condition after surgery to remove bullet fragments. John William Cheeseman was apparently mistaken for a swimming rodent by a hunter.

Cheeseman underwent eight hours of surgery to remove shrapnel and bone fragments from his face. His wife said he's doing well. The bullet hit Cheeseman in front of his right ear and did not penetrate the brain.

Police have charged William Roderick, 60, with assault, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. He is being held in jail.

Police say Roderick said he thought Cheeseman was a nutria swimming in the Smith River and shot him with a .22-caliber rifle Cheeseman was snorkeling in the river looking for different species of fish.