Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The victim was searching for cattle on horseback not too far from this area of the Gila River when he accidentally shot himself.
By Jon Johnson
GRAHAM COUNTY – A horse ride along the river to collect cattle ended abruptly for one cowboy after he accidentally shot himself in his leg on June 10.
According to a Graham County Sheriff’s Office report, a man was riding his horse with others near the Gila River just north of Safford in an attempt to locate lost cattle when his revolver accidentally discharged.
The victim said he was riding through some brush with his revolver in a holster on his right hip when he believes the hammer became caught in the brush and fired when the gun was pulled free from the branches.
The victim said he had come upon a heavily wooded area and told the others to go around while he attempted to ride through the thicket.
The bullet struck the victim’s calf and went through and through. After being shot, the victim informed the rest of the group and called 911. He then got on a four-wheeler and was driven to a nearby address off N. Sochi Lane, where he was bandaged while awaiting paramedics.
The deputy noted the victim’s revolver had five shells inside its cylinder with one having been fired and that the gun’s hammer and trigger were both still accessible while strapped in its holster.
The victim was taken by paramedics to Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center for further treatment and the deputy wrapped up his investigation with no further action.
