Brief: ‘Accidental Discharge’ Sends Casper 18-Year-Old To Hospital With Gun Wound

The Casper Police Department continues to investigate the unsafe handling of a firearm that resulted in an 18-year-old being shot outside a fast-food restaurant on the city’s east side about 8 p.m. Sunday.

CPD spokesperson Amber Freestone reports in a news release that multiple officers responded to a shooting call in the 3800 block of East 2nd Street and found a male with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Banner Wyoming Medical Center.

The CPD reports the man is in "stable condition."

Investigators at the scene, a Dairy Queen at 3845 E. Second St., found blood outside the building and interviewed customers, employees, the shooter, victim and other “involved parties,” Freestone said.

“Detectives and evidence technicians observed blood outside of the building and conditions consistent with witness statements detailing the accidental discharge of a firearm resulting in the shooting of an 18-year-old male in a vehicle,” Freestone reported. “At this time, the incident appears to be the result of unsafe handling of a firearm.”

The Dairy Queen had a closed sign on its door Monday morning. A person inside said there was no one available to comment about the shooting.

Freestone said the department emphasizes a need for “responsible firearm ownership” and for people to inventory their weapons.

“Ignorance in the handling of firearms, inappropriate storage of weapons, and illegal possession of firearms lead to accidents and crimes in our community,” she said.

Dale Killingbeck can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.