— from Sheriff Rob Nou —

On Saturday, October 18, 2014 about 6:55 p.m. 911 Dispatch received a call about an accidental gunshot wound on Lopez Island. Emergency responders from the sheriff’s office and Lopez Fire and EMS found a 34 year old Oregon woman that had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the woman was accidentally shot while handling her bags, one of which contained an unholstered firearm. As the bags were being moved about, the firearm discharged a single round striking the victim. She was able to apply initial first aid before going to a neighbor’s house for help.

The victim was treated by EMS at the scene, and subsequently flown to a mainland hospital. The case remains under investigation.