NATCHEZ — A man was shot, possibly as many at three times to the chest, Tuesday night in Adams County, sheriff Travis Patten said.

The shooting occurred at approximately 8 p.m. at 84 West Wilderness Drive, Patten said.

The victim, estimated to be 30 years of age, was unconscious when deputies arrived, Patten said.

“When deputies arrived on the scene, they called an ambulance,” Patten said. “But rather than wait on the ambulance, they loaded him into the back of a police car and transported him to the hospital.”

The victim was prepped for helicopter transport from Merit Health Natchez to Jackson and was in stable condition as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, Patten said.

The incident was still under investigation late Tuesday and Patten said could not release the victim’s name or any other details Tuesday night.

Patten said someone heard the gunshots and called 911.

“These deputies’ actions are nothing short of heroic,” Patten said. “Their quick thinking during this critical situation and quick response probably saved this young man’s life.”