Pennsylvania Man Hospitalized After Dog Triggers Shotgun

A 53-year-old man from Shillington, Pennsylvania, was hospitalized after his dog accidentally triggered a shotgun during a cleaning session at his home on Tuesday night, November 11. The incident occurred around 11:13 p.m. in the 300 block of State Street, where the man suffered a gunshot wound to his lower back.

According to Shillington police, the man had been cleaning the firearm and placed it on his bed before sitting down. One of his two dogs then jumped onto the mattress, causing the shotgun to discharge. Officers responding to a 911 call from the man's son initially reported uncertainty about the shooter, but en route learned that the dog's movement had set off the weapon. Upon arrival, they found the victim conscious on the floor and provided aid until emergency medical services took over.

The man was transported to Reading Hospital, where he underwent immediate surgery for his injuries. As of Wednesday, he required additional procedures, though the full extent of his condition remained unclear. He and his son were the only people home at the time, with the son in a different room when the shooting happened.

Shillington Police Corporal Michael Schoone described the...