Dog Triggers Shotgun in Nebraska Parking Lot, Injuring Woman

On May 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., Scottsbluff Police responded to a shooting report at the Short Stop convenience store (2002 Avenue I). A pickup truck with an attached camper had a shotgun with a live round chambered in its rear seat. While the driver shopped, a dog moved across the back seat, stepped on the trigger, and the shotgun discharged. The blast tore through front passenger-side door, and a pellet traveled yards, striking a woman waiting at a nearby traffic light. She suffered a non-life-threatening wound to her right arm and was taken to Regional West Medical Center.

Dog Shoots Woman With Shotgun At Nebraska Gas StationInquisitrAudacy NewsDog Shoots Woman With Shotgun Outside Nebraska Convenience Store

Nebraska law forbids traveling on a highway with a shotgun that has a live shell in the chamber, receiver, or magazine, except where specifically authorized. Such a violation is a Class III misdemeanor carrying a minimum $50 fine. The Guardian notes, “It is illegal in Nebraska to drive with a loaded shotgun in your vehicle.”

Dog Shoots Woman With Shotgun At Nebraska Gas Station

Scottsbluff officers confirmed the dog “moved across the back seat and stepped on a shotgun that had a live round chambered, causing the weapon to discharge.” The department said the investigation remains open and no charges have been announced.

WJW - Cleveland News

A user on Inquisitr questioned the legality of traveling with a loaded gun and expressed concern that firearms and ammunition should be stored separately, reflecting broader worries about compliance with state transport regulations.

Inquisitr

A passenger reported that the pellet “passed through the vehicle’s front passenger-side door, exited the parking lot and struck a woman who was stopped at a nearby traffic light.”

Dog Shoots Woman With Shotgun Outside Nebraska Convenience Store

Initial dispatch described the incident as involving a BB gun; later updates clarified that a shotgun was used. Police have not released the dog’s breed, the owner’s name, or the shotgun model, and no charges have been filed.

Inquisitr

• “It is illegal in Nebraska to drive with a loaded shotgun in your vehicle.” — Guardian article

The Guardian

• “Nebraska law prohibits carrying a shotgun with shells in the chamber, receiver, or magazine in or on any vehicle on a highway, except as otherwise permitted by law.” — Dallas Express

Dog Shoots Woman With Shotgun At Nebraska Gas Station

• “This is the good boy from scottsblush who took riding shotgun a little seriously.” — Inquisitr

Inquisitr

• “I thought it was illegal to travel with a loaded gun? The gun and ammo have to be separated in the vehicle, like one in the trunk, one in the cabin, right?” — Inquisitr comment

Inquisitr

Scottsbluff Police will continue the investigation, verifying compliance with Nebraska’s firearm-transport statutes. Potential charges may follow if the truck owner is found to have violated the Class III misdemeanor provision.

Dog Shoots Woman With Shotgun At Nebraska Gas Station