A dog owner from Tennessee has reported a shocking incident where he claims to have been accidentally shot by his own pet while lying in bed with a female companion. The man’s account of the events shared with the Memphis Police Department detailed how the incident unfolded at his residence on Whitney Avenue in the early hours of Monday, March 10. According to the police press release obtained by PEOPLE, officers responded to a call about an “accidental injury” at the man’s home around 4:00 a.m.
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The man explained to the officers that he was in bed, engaged in conversation with his female friend, when his dog unexpectedly leaped onto the bed and, in a bizarre turn of events, managed to get its paw stuck in the trigger guard of a firearm, causing it to discharge. The result was the man sustaining a grazing wound to his upper left thigh, as indicated by the authorities. Following the incident, the man’s female companion reportedly left the scene with the gun, but officers were able to find a spent shell casing in the front room of the residence.
Upon arrival at the scene, paramedics provided initial medical assistance, attending to the man’s wound before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, his condition was described as “non-critical” at the time. As of now, there is no further update on his health status. Both the man and his pet remain unidentified in the public reports, and the Memphis Police Department has shared that the information disclosed is currently all that is available regarding the incident.
In light of this unusual event, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safe firearm storage and handling. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security emphasizes the critical responsibility of gun owners to securely store their firearms. They advise gun owners to treat every firearm as if it were loaded and to have a comprehensive understanding of its operation prior to use. Furthermore, it is recommended to store firearms and ammunition separately to prevent access by unauthorized individuals, particularly children.
Gun safety measures are a key component in preventing accidents such as the one reported by the Tennessee dog owner. By following the guidelines set forth by governing bodies and being vigilant in firearm handling practices, incidents like this can potentially be avoided. The Memphis Police Department, in collaboration with other relevant entities, continues to stress the significance of responsible gun ownership in the community. Stay informed on the latest crime news by signing up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for comprehensive coverage of breaking crime stories, ongoing trials, and intriguing unsolved cases.