The Associated Press

SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) – Police say a rifle discharged after a dog apparently stepped on it, injuring a 46-year-old man in northern Wyoming.

Johnson County Sheriff Steve Kozisek said Richard L. Fipps, of Sheridan, was struck in the arm by a bullet on Monday.

He says the injury is not life-threatening but Fipps is being treated in a hospital in Billings.

Kozisek told The Sheridan Press that Fipps and two others were in a remote area trying to move a vehicle that had become stuck. Fipps was standing beside his truck when he told his dog to move from the front seat to the back seat.

Kozisek said a rifle was on the back seat and discharged toward Fipps.

Kozisek said the shooting appeared to be an accident.