A carrier for the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader was shot in the neck while delivering papers early Monday morning, the newspaper reported in a Web article by Josh Kegley.

Don Silvestri was shot about 4:30 a.m. He was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover, the Herald-Leader reported.

Nelson Fonticiella said it was the first time in his seven years as vice president of circulation that a carrier had been shot on the job.

"He's just a heck of a guy," he said of Silvestri.

According to the Herald-Leader’s account, two males approached Silvestri and asked him for a newspaper. He gave them one, and they shot him in the neck. The shooters are described as young, possibly between 16 and 18 years old.