Gun Shop Worker Accidentally Shoots Customer

Photo Credit: AP

SILVER CITY, N.M. (TheBlaze/AP) -- Authorities say an employee at a New Mexico gun shop was unloading a handgun when he accidentally shot a customer in the back, wounding him. While police haven't released too many details, some of the developments have been discussed in local media.

The Las Cruses Sun-News reports that, following the accident, the 65-year-old customer was airlifted from Silver City to a Texas hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

Silver City Police Chief Ed Reynolds says an employee at Copper County Sporting Arms was unloading the .45 caliber handgun Tuesday when the weapon went off, shooting the man.

Emergency responders closed off the street in front of the shop so a medical helicopter could land. The helicopter then flew the man to an El Paso, Texas, hospital for treatment.

Reynolds says the investigation is ongoing, and it's unclear whether any charges will be filed. No names have been released.

A person who answered the phone Tuesday at Copper Country declined to talk to the Sun-News.