by Shillington, PA – In a bizarre and unfortunate event, a 53-year-old man from Shillington, Pennsylvania, was accidentally shot in the back by his dog while cleaning a shotgun. The freak accident has left the man hospitalized and recovering after emergency surgery.
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, explained that he was in the process of cleaning his shotgun when he placed the weapon on his bed and sat down. His overenthusiastic dog apparently took this as an invitation to get close for some cuddles, which led to the shotgun discharging and striking him in his lower back.
A Perfect Storm of Unfortunate Events
The shooting incident has been described by Shillington Police Cpl. Michael Schoone as “the perfect storm” — circumstances aligning in a tragic way. The exact cause of the shotgun going off remains under investigation:
- It is unclear if the dog’s paw accidentally triggered the shotgun’s trigger while the safety was disengaged.
- Alternatively, there could have been a manufacturer malfunction with the firearm itself.
- Police noted a spent shell casing was found inside the shotgun during their investigation.
“Obviously, you should be treating every weapon as if it’s loaded. All the cardinal rules: keeping it in a safe direction, finger off the trigger. This was… the perfect storm. It was just the right place at the right time — or the wrong time,” said Cpl. Schoone.
Gun Safety Reminder and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the shooting, but they currently believe it was accidental and not caused by any malicious intent. The victim’s son was the one who called 911, ensuring the man received immediate medical attention.
Read Also: Two Teens Take Parents’ Car for Joyride, Crash into Homes in Washington Township
This unusual incident serves as a strong reminder for gun owners to observe safety protocols at all times. Treating every firearm as loaded, maintaining trigger discipline, and keeping weapons pointed in safe directions are critical precautions to avoid accidents, even under unexpected circumstances.
For more details on this incident, visit the source article.
What Can Gun Owners Learn?
- Always engage safety locks while cleaning or handling firearms.
- Never lay firearms unattended in areas accessible to pets or children.
- Ensure firearms are unloaded before cleaning.
- Maintain awareness of your surroundings and handle guns with care at all times.
This cautionary tale highlights how even the most routine gun maintenance can pose serious dangers if standard safety rules are overlooked.
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