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Dog Moves in Parked Truck and Triggers Shotgun That Injures Nebraska Driver

Authorities say the episode highlights the danger of unsecured firearms in vehicles and they are investigating whether state law was broken.

Overview

  • Police say a dog inside a parked pickup moved and accidentally caused a loaded shotgun to discharge through the rear passenger-side panel.
  • A pellet struck a woman who was stopped at a nearby traffic light and she was treated at a local hospital for a non-life-threatening wound to her upper right arm.
  • First 911 calls described a BB gun but investigators later found damage consistent with a shotgun blast after examining the vehicle.
  • Nebraska law prohibits traveling with a loaded shotgun in a vehicle and police reminded residents that the violation is treated as a Class III misdemeanor.
  • Officers in Scottsbluff continue to investigate the circumstances of the May incident with no charges reported so far and officials pointed to similar past pet-triggered accidents when urging safer firearm storage.