Man accidentally shot in behind near Amboy

A man was accidentally shot in the buttocks Tuesday evening west of Amboy when his handgun fell from his pocket and fired, but he was not seriously injured.

Sheriff’s deputies and paramedics were called to the 12000 block of Northeast Grantham Road around 6:30 p.m. for a shooting.

Clark County sheriff’s Sgt. Pete Muller said what happened was clearly an accident.

The man, Harry Ortega, 63, had the 9mm handgun in a pocket, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

“When he went to stand up, it fell out and went ‘bang,’” Muller said.

Muller said deputies found no evidence of neglect or recklessness on the man’s part that would warrant a citation.

The bullet hit the man in the buttocks, Muller said. The press release described the bullet as entering near Ortega’s left hip and exiting the front of his left leg.

“It was a through-and-through,” Muller said.

Ortega was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, but Muller said he likely wouldn’t have to stay at the hospital long.