NAMPA — The Nampa Police Department is investigating what appears to be an accidental shooting.
The shooting happened on Friday night at around 9:30 p.m. in the 500 block of 17th Ave. S. in Nampa. Police say a woman was in the front yard of a residence near her vehicle when she was struck in the chest by a single gunshot.
The shot appears to have come from a residence across the street and police believe they have identified the shooter, a 63-year-old man.
Police say at this point in the investigation the shooting appears to be the result of unsafe firearms handling. The bullet appears to have gone through the wall of a residence before striking the victim.
The injuries to the 45-year-old victim are serious and possibly life-threatening. This case is currently under investigation and charges have not yet been submitted to the prosecutor's office.
"This situation is an important reminder for everyone who owns firearms to handle them safely," said Lt. Eric Skoglund, with the Nampa Police Department.
Gun owners are urged to always practice the rules of firearm safety: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Always know your backstop - your target and what's beyond it. Never point a gun at anything you don't intend to shoot.
"When these rules are not followed unfortunately very serious things like this can happen," said Skoglund. "This is an avoidable incident that has sadly caused a very serious injury to the person across the street."
Names of those involved have not been released.