Gun-related accidents happen in the U.S. every day, but this one? This one stands out. According to The Guardian’s Ramon Antonio Vargas, a Memphis man named Jerald Kirkwood found himself in the hospital after a gun in his own bed discharged, grazing his left thigh. The shooter? His one-year-old pitbull puppy, Oreo. That’s the story Kirkwood told police, at least. But as more details emerge, the whole thing raises a lot of questions.
A Gun, a Dog, and a Very Suspicious Sequence of Events
Kirkwood’s version of events is as follows: He was lying in bed with a woman and his dog when Oreo, in a burst of playful energy, jumped onto the bed, got his paw stuck inside the trigger guard of a loaded gun, and – somehow – managed to pull the trigger. The bullet grazed Kirkwood’s thigh, sending him to the hospital in non-critical condition. Fox 13 Memphis later spoke with the woman involved, who stated that Oreo is “a playful dog” who “likes to jump around,” and that’s how the gun “just went off.”
Liberty Doll’s Take: Should We Be Worried About ‘Assault Dogs’?
Gun rights YouTuber Liberty Doll couldn’t resist the absurdity of this story. In a tongue-in-cheek video titled Dog Shoots Owner, she jokingly calls for new laws to regulate “full-semi high-capacity assault dogs” before they turn against their owners en masse. She also references Zachary Auburn’s book How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety, suggesting that perhaps someone should publish a similar guide for dogs. While her video is packed with humor, it highlights a very real issue: the importance of firearm safety, particularly in homes with pets (or, apparently, reckless trigger-pawing puppies).
A Girlfriend Who Disappears with the Gun
Here’s where things get even more bizarre. As reported by Trey King of The Trey King Show YouTube channel, when police arrived at the scene, they found Kirkwood injured – but the woman he’d been in bed with was gone. Even stranger, she had taken the gun with her. Why would someone flee the scene with the weapon used in the accident? That part of the story has led to speculation that the “puppy did it” explanation might be covering for something else.
Trey King: The Story Doesn’t Add Up
Trey King, known for his colorful commentary on strange news stories, isn’t buying the dog’s involvement at all. He points out that it’s awfully convenient that Kirkwood’s female companion just happened to vanish with the firearm. He also raises an important detail: police recovered a shell casing in the front room, even though the shooting allegedly happened in the bedroom. If the shot was fired in bed, how did the casing end up somewhere else?
A Pattern of ‘Pet-Related’ Shootings?
As odd as this story is, it’s not the first time a pet has allegedly fired a gun. As The Guardian notes, a 2018 case in Iowa involved a man whose dog stepped on a gun in his waistband, causing it to fire into his leg. And in 2019, former Louisiana State University football player Matt Branch lost his leg after his hunting dog stepped on a shotgun trigger while it was resting in a utility terrain vehicle. These cases suggest that while rare, pet-triggered shootings aren’t entirely unheard of – though they’re certainly not common.
The Role of Gun Safety in Preventing Situations Like This
Jokes aside, this case underscores the importance of responsible gun storage. The woman involved in the shooting told Fox 13 Memphis that she and Kirkwood would make sure to keep the safety engaged on their firearms from now on. Memphis police also reminded residents that they can pick up free trigger locks at their local precinct. Had a simple gun safety measure been in place that night, Oreo might not have made headlines.
The Importance of Investigating the Full Story
With the girlfriend’s sudden departure and the mysterious shell casing placement, there’s reason to suspect that there’s more to this incident than just a playful pup and a poorly secured firearm. Trey King outright questions whether Kirkwood was covering for the woman, suggesting that she may have been the one who fired the shot. If that’s the case, why lie about it? Was it an accident she didn’t want to take responsibility for? Was there an argument that turned heated? The truth might never be fully known, but the available details leave room for doubt.
Public Reaction: Social Media Finds the Story Hilarious and Suspicious
As expected, this story has blown up on social media, with people split between disbelief and amusement. Liberty Doll’s video is filled with sarcastic comments about the dangers of “high-capacity pitbulls,” while Trey King’s viewers are equally skeptical about the idea of a dog managing to fire a gun. Even serious news outlets, like The Guardian, have noted how strange the situation is. Whether people believe the dog’s involvement or not, there’s no denying that it’s one of the more unusual gun-related incidents in recent memory.
Memphis Police: Case Closed?
For now, Memphis police are treating the case as an accidental injury and are not pressing any charges against Kirkwood, the woman, or Oreo. That said, no official report has been released explaining why the gun was taken from the scene, or how the shell casing ended up in a different room. It’s possible that authorities don’t see the need to investigate further since no one is disputing Kirkwood’s claim – but for those following the story, it still doesn’t quite sit right.
Could This Happen Again?
With so many guns in circulation in the U.S., accidental discharges aren’t rare. But the idea of a dog actually shooting someone is still shocking. Liberty Doll, despite her humorous approach, makes an important point about responsible gun ownership – especially in homes with pets. Whether or not Oreo actually pulled the trigger, this case serves as a reminder that loaded firearms should never be left unsecured in a place where a child, pet, or anyone untrained could access them.
A Story That Raises More Questions Than It Answers
At face value, this is a bizarre, almost comical case of a dog inadvertently firing a gun. But when examined more closely it seems more likely that the full story hasn’t been told. Whether this was an unfortunate accident involving a playful puppy or something more suspicious, one thing is clear: firearms and irresponsible handling don’t mix, and maybe, just maybe, it’s time to start including dogs in those gun safety conversations.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.