By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – On Saturday, an accidental shooting occurred on State Route 266 at milepost 122, leading to one man being injured when his son accidentally discharged a firearm in their vehicle following a hunting trip in the Pinaleno Mountains.
At around 2:09 p.m., authorities were dispatched to the scene following reports of a male being shot in the buttocks.
Upon arrival, officers located the victim on the ground beside his silver Toyota Tundra with significant blood loss from a gunshot wound, and pressure was being applied to the injury. The injured man was conscious, alert, and able to communicate, rating his pain at a 7 out of 10.
According to the victim, the shooting was accidental, caused by his 10-year-old son, who was seated in the back of the vehicle. The injured man said they had been hunting and were traveling home when he heard the bang and pulled over after being shot.
The youth told a deputy that he was in the back seat with the rifle by him, and he placed his finger on the trigger, thinking it was unloaded and safe.
The firearm involved was a HOWA .243-caliber rifle. No records were found on the weapon when checked through dispatch, and it was secured by law enforcement for evidentiary purposes.
Paramedics from Lifeline Ambulance arrived to treat the victim at the scene before transporting him to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for further treatment.
Firearm Safety Tips:
This incident underscores the importance of firearm safety, especially when involving children. Here are some essential safety tips:
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Always check the gun’s chamber to confirm it is unloaded before handling it or allowing others to handle it.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot: This prevents accidental discharges, as seen in this unfortunate event.
- Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. Even if you believe the gun is safe, always direct the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Store guns securely: Firearms should be stored in locked containers, separate from ammunition, especially in households with children.
- Educate and supervise: Teach children about gun safety early and closely manage their interaction with firearms.
- Use trigger locks: When not in use, secure firearms with a trigger lock to prevent accidental firing.