UMVA has learned that a shocking incident involving a dog and a shotgun has left a woman injured at a Nebraska gas station on Saturday.
The drama unfolded when a vehicle pulled into Short Stop, a busy gas station and convenience store, around noon. The owner stepped out to grab something from the store, while another passenger remained near the vehicle.
As the dog inside the vehicle began to move around in the rear seat area, it made contact with a shotgun stored inside. Authorities believe the firearm had a live round in the chamber and was discharged after being triggered by the dog.
The blast ripped through the vehicle's front passenger-side door and traveled across the parking lot, striking a woman stopped at a nearby traffic light several yards away. A shotgun pellet hit her right arm, which was resting out the window at the time.
Miraculously, the woman's injuries were not life-threatening. A family member quickly took her to Regional West Medical Center for treatment. The swift response likely prevented more severe consequences.
According to information obtained by UMVA, investigators found damage to the vehicle's passenger-side door consistent with a shotgun blast. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported in the incident.
The Scottsbluff Police Department is leading the investigation into the incident. Authorities initially believed a BB gun was involved but later confirmed it was a shotgun.
As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: a split-second event involving a curious dog and a loaded shotgun had far-reaching consequences, leaving a woman with a painful reminder of the incident.
