An employee at a gun range in Texas who was cleaning his weapon—accidentally shot and killed a man on Tuesday, Dec. 12.
According to an advisory from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened at the Hot Wells Shooting Range on Highway 290 in Cypress, Texas.
“UPDATE: A man has died after an apparent accidental shooting at Hot Wells Shooting Range (24815 NW Fwy),” the office tweeted.
The bullet first went through a wall and a window before hitting a 36-year-old man who was walking into the range.
A call made to police about the incident was placed just after 9 a.m. The victim was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Courtney Thornton, a horse trainer at the property adjacent to the shooting range told KHOU-TV that the horses were a little edgy following the incident.
“We had two helicopters that were circling the property. They were focused over by Hot Wells, but the horses were acting a little squirrely with the large helicopter noises and all the extra wind,” Thornton told the network.
She said she supports everyone’s right to own a gun but stressed the importance of safety.
It’s not clear if the man who accidentally caused the death will be facing any charges.
Overhead helicopter footage of the shooting range shows a group of deputies investigating the scene.
“We had a horse that was out loose in the arena and the practice pen,” Thornton said. “They were running back and forth down the fences probably wondering what was going on. I’m all for everybody being able to own a gun, to have a gun, but it is a little concerning being so close to shooting ranges just with those accidents happening—that’s why you have to be safe.”
No further details have been released as of writing. The investigation is ongoing.
