Dog in truck fatally shoots passenger, officials believe
A Kansas man is believed to have been killed when a dog stepped on a rifle in the back of a truck in which the victim was a passenger.
Wellington, Kansas authorities said the bizarre shooting occurred around 9:45 a.m. Saturday roughly 46 miles south of Wichita.
“A canine belonging to the owner of the pickup stepped on the rifle causing the weapon to discharge,” police said in a statement. “The fired round struck the passenger who died of his injuries on scene.”
The driver of the vehicle was reportedly unharmed.
Sumner County Sheriff’s Office said hunting gear was found in the back of the vehicle, including a firearm. The incident was described as “hunting-related.”
Authorities said they arrived within minutes and applied CPR, but the victim could not be saved.
One commenter who claimed to be a friend of the victim took exception to “all the comedians and weapons experts” offering their opinions on KAKE News’ Facebook page.
“This boy was my friend, having been best friends for over 20+ years with his dad,” that person wrote. “Shame on you.”
The victim was identified as 30-year-old Joseph Austin Smith. It’s unclear if the truck was in motion at the time of the shooting. Police provided no further information.
