In a rare and alarming incident, a Memphis man was accidentally shot by his dog while lying in bed. The man, identified as Jerald Kirkwood, was with a female companion when his one-year-old pit bull, Oreo, jumped onto the bed. The dog’s paw became entangled in the trigger guard of a loaded firearm, causing it to discharge and graze Kirkwood’s left thigh.
The incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. on March 10, 2025. Following the accidental discharge, the female companion left the scene with the firearm. First responders treated Kirkwood’s minor injury at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital in stable condition. The Memphis Police Department classified the shooting as accidental, and no charges were filed.
This incident underscores the critical importance of proper firearm storage and handling, especially in households with pets. Authorities advise gun owners to ensure firearms are unloaded when not in use, utilize safety mechanisms, and store them securely to prevent unauthorized access. 