Shillington, PA – A 53-year-old man is recovering a week later after one of his dogs fired a shotgun that struck him in the back late last Tuesday night, police said.
Officers responded around 11:13 p.m. to reports of a shooting at a residence on the 300 block of State Street.
When police arrived, they found the man conscious on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower back.
Police say dog jumped on bed and fired weapon
According to Shillington Police, the victim told officers he had been cleaning his shotgun and placed it on his bed before sitting down. Moments later, one of his dogs reportedly jumped onto the bed, causing the firearm to discharge and hit him.
The man’s son was home at the time but was in another room when the shooting occurred, police said. Two other dogs were also in the residence.
Emergency crews transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where doctors performed immediate surgery. Police said hospital staff reported the man would require a second operation.
Investigation ongoing after accidental shooting
Authorities said the shooting appeared accidental and there was no indication of foul play. Police emphasized the importance of firearm safety and ensuring weapons are unloaded and secured when not in use.
Key Points
- A 53-year-old man was accidentally shot in the back after his dog triggered a shotgun in Shillington.
- Police say the weapon fired when the dog jumped on the bed where the shotgun was placed.
- The man underwent surgery and is expected to need a second operation as he recovers.