File photo

A retired Long Beach Police Department sergeant who was named in an investigation related to threats against a prominent journalist and activist accidentally shot himself while inside a gas station Friday, police said.

Jeffrey Garcia, 54, of Long Beach, commented on a Facebook thread where members talked about how they could kill Shaun King, according to screen shots posted by the journalist.

Police said this week they are investigating the incident and have asked for help from the FBI.

Garcia, one of two retired Long Beach officers shown commenting on the post, accidentally discharged a firearm at about 7:30 p.m. Friday at a gas station near Spring Street and Bellflower Boulevard, authorities said.

Officers found Garcia with a wound to his lower body and transported him to a local hospital for treatment of his non-life threatening injury, according to police.

No one else was injured during the incident, police stated, and a handgun located at the scene was collected as evidence.

Long Beach police said they do not believe the accidental shooting and the investigation involving King are related.

Police said it’s not customary to reveal detailed information in these types of cases, but they wanted to “ensure openness within our community.”