BEIJING, Feb.17 (Xinhuanet) -- Local police cleared US Vice President Dick Cheney of any wrongdoing in his weekend hunting mishap and closed the case on Thursday, saying no charges would be filed.

    Kenedy County Sheriff Ramon Salinas said an investigation had determined Cheney shot Texas lawyer Harry Whittington by accident, therefore no legal action was needed.

    "No charges will be filed against anybody, and that's it," Salinas told reporters in brief comments outside his office in the town of Sarita, south of Corpus Christi.

    Chief Deputy Gilbert San Miguel, who conducted the shooting probe, said: "Our investigation is over ... this was just a mere hunting accident."

    Cheney sprayed Whittington, 78, with birdshot on Saturday when he whirled around to shoot a flying quail while hunting on a southern Texas ranch.

    Doctors and administrators said Thursday that Whittington's condition continues to improve and no other pellets pose a danger. They are hopeful he can be released soon. Enditem

(Agencies)