George Zimmerman Wounded in Shooting

(CN) - George Zimmerman, the former Sanford, Florida neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot Trayvon Martin was injured by flying glass Monday after a motorist with whom he'd reportedly had a previous angry encounteron fired a gun at his vehicle.

Authorities initially suggested Zimmerman had actually been shot in the face, although even then they characterized his injuries as minor.

The alleged gunman, identified as Matthew Apperson, had previously accused Zimmerman of stalking and making threats. Apperson, who has a concealed-carry permit, was questioned by Lake Mary, Fla. police and released without being charged.

Apperson's attorney, Mark NeJame, told reporters his client perceived a threat from Zimmerman and acted in self-defense.

Zimmerman was acquitted two years ago in the 2012 shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Since then he has had a least three other encounters with Lake Mary police.

In September 2013, Zimmerman's estranged wife called police and reported that he had threatened her with gun, but she ultimately declined to press charges. Two months later, Zimmerman was arrested following a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, Samantha Scheibe, but she later recanted her story. In September 2014, a motorist reported that Zimmerman threatened to kill him after a confrontation at an intersection..

The U.S. Department of Justice announced it would not pursue civil rights charges against Zimmerman related to the latter case in February.

Zimmerman was transported to a local hospital, treated for his injuries and released.

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