WESALCO - A Texas state representative who suffered a gunshot wound on New Year’s Eve was released from the hospital on Monday.

State Rep. Armando “Mando” Martinez was celebrating outdoors north of Weslaco when he was struck by a stray .223 caliber bullet.

Martinez said the incident happened minutes before the midnight countdown. He said the he felt like he got hit by a sledgehammer.

“When they’re telling you a few more millimeters and we wouldn’t behaving this discussion. You see, your skill and the bullet went right through it all the way down and it was touching the brain itself,” he said. “Luckily, it didn’t penetrate the brain. And by the grace of God, we’re having this conversation now.”

Police are investigating the incident.

Martinez said people need to stop shooting guns to celebrate on New Year’s Eve and other holidays. The state representative said he will include the issue in this upcoming legislative session.

The 85th legislative season in Texas starts Jan. 10.