By Scottsbluff Police Department
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - On May 23, 2026, at approximately 12:07 p.m., officers with the Scottsbluff Police Department responded to Short Stop, located at 2002 Avenue I, after receiving a report that an individual had been shot by a BB gun. While officers were en route, updated information indicated that the incident involved a shotgun.
Upon arrival, officers located a truck with an attached camper. The passenger side door panel of the vehicle had sustained damage consistent with a shotgun blast.
Through the preliminary investigation, officers determined that the owner of the truck had pulled into the convenience store to purchase merchandise. While the passenger of the truck was standing near the front passenger side door, a dog in the back seat moved from one side of the vehicle to the other. During that movement, the dog triggered a shotgun that had a live shell in the chamber, causing the firearm to discharge.
At the time of the discharge, another individual was stopped at the traffic light on Avenue I with her arm resting out of the window. One pellet from the shotgun blast struck her in the upper right arm. Her injury was not believed to be life-threatening, and a family member transported her to Regional West Medical Center for treatment.
This matter remains under investigation by the Scottsbluff Police Department.
The Scottsbluff Police Department reminds the public that per Nebraska State Statute it is illegal to travel with a loaded shotgun in a vehicle. This incident also serves as an important reminder that firearm safety is of the utmost importance when handling, possessing, transporting, or maintaining any type of firearm.