When on the trails, we have a multitude of factors that can affect our own safety: trail conditions, weather, wild animals like bears or bobcats, etc. Usually “other hikers” doesn’t make it on to that list very often. However, in a strange incident that occurred this weekend at Blewett Pass that makes me rethink whether or not I need to worry about other hikers when hiking the trails.
Darrel Elam, a 52-year-old man from Snohomish County shot himself in the butt while preparing to hike to Blewett Pass. Apparently, he had removed his 40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun from its holster and was deciding if it would be easier to hike with it in his back pocket when it discharged. The bullet traveled down his butt and leg, stopping just above his knee.
Why this man felt the need to hike with a handgun, or whether he had a license to carry the weapon in the first place is still unknown. The incident happened near the trailhead and he was transported to Central Washington Hospital, where he was later released.
-via Wenatchee World
