A woman in Nebraska was injured after a dog accidentally discharged a shotgun while inside a vehicle near a traffic light, authorities said. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday after the dog stepped on its owner’s shotgun. According to reports, the Scottsbluff Police Department was informed about the incident while the victim was rushed to a nearby medical facility.

According to KNOP, after a BB gun accidentally shot the driver at 12:07 p.m., the police officers were called to Short Stop at 2002 Avenue I. On their way to the location, they were initially informed that a BB gun had been fired. Police later determined that a shotgun had been discharged inside the vehicle.

Though the cops were informed that someone was responsible for the shots fired, they found the dog near the firearm after arriving at the scene. Police also located a truck with a camper attached nearby. Authorities noticed damage on the passenger-side door panel that appeared to match damage caused by a shotgun blast.

Scottsbluff police said the dog, its owner and a passenger had stopped at Short Stop, a baseball-themed gas station and convenience store. The owner went inside the store, while the passenger was positioned near the front passenger-side door.

Police said the dog moved across the back seat and stepped on a shotgun that had a live round chambered, causing the weapon to discharge. While the shocking incident took place, a woman was hit with one pellet from the shotgun blast shot in the upper right arm.

At the time, she was waiting at the red light with her arm resting out of the window. The injury was reportedly not as serious, and she was taken to Regional West Medical Center for treatment. Meanwhile, a New York Post report notes that the truck’s passenger, who stayed while waiting for the driver, observed the entire accident in utmost shock.

It is worth noting that it is not legal to travel with a loaded firearm in a vehicle in Nebraska while driving on any highway. The offense is considered a minor misdemeanor and carries a minimum penalty of a $50 fine. On the other hand, the news has surprised the internet users equally, who had their own thoughts about the incident as they shared it online.

A user said, “Being stopped at a red light and suddenly getting shot by a dog is an absolutely insane, random event.” Another user said, “Glad she’s okay… poor dog must be so confused. Seriously though, secure guns in vehicles … nobody wants a real-life action scene in traffic.”

A third user commented, “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?”

What are your thoughts on the incident? Feel free to share in the comments section.