Two children were injured Monday morning, Oct. 31, when a hunter’s gun accidentally discharged, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office reported.
According to Sheriff Bruce Riley, Zack Davis, 27, called 9-1-1 at 8:04 a.m. to report the shooting.
Davis, his father Bob Davis, 54, and his three children, ages 2, 4, and 6, were hunting near the M & M Mainline, above Green Peter Dam. Zack Davis told investigators he saw what he believed to be a deer and exited the pick-up. While walking back to the vehicle, his 30-30 rifle accidentally discharged. The bullet entered the pick-up through the driver’s door. The round struck two of the children, seated in the back seat of the 2005 Dodge pick-up, in the legs, Riley said.
A 2-year-old boy was struck above his right ankle, fracturing his leg, Riley said. The toddler was transported to Lebanon Community Hospital by ambulance and then by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Riley said Monday afternoon that the boy’s condition was unknown, but the injuries appeared to be non-life threatening.
A 4-year-old girl was struck in the left shin. She was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis. She had surgery to remove a metal fragment from her leg and is in stable condition, Riley said.
The 6-year-old, whose gender was not disclosed, and Bob Davis were not injured.
Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District medics took over treatment of the victims after meeting the Davises at the junction of Highway 20 and Quartzville Road.
Riley said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mike Harmon at (541) 967-3950.