An accident occurred during a dog training exercise in Thurston County, resulting in the death of a Lewis County man. According to KATU, the incident unfolded while a group filmed training videos that involved the use of live gunfire. The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office reported one of the handlers discharged a firearm with live ammunition, striking a man in his twenties who was participating in filming.
Immediately following the shooting, first responders declared the young man deceased on site. The Sheriff’s Office expressed their condolences on a Facebook post, stating, "This is a devastating and heartbreaking event. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. The emotional toll on everyone involved is significant, and we recognize the deep pain caused by this loss," as reported by KOMO News. The individual who fired the weapon has been taken into custody and is facing charges of first-degree manslaughter.
Further details emerged regarding the identity of the person responsible for the fatal shot. Wayne Curry, the owner of Kraftwerk K9, a dog training facility located in Rochester, Washington, has been arrested in connection with the shooting. FOX 13 Seattle provided coverage of Curry's subsequent court appearance in Thurston County. During the tragic incident, a video crew and other onlookers witnessed the shooting, leading to what Lt. Mike Brooks with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office described as "just sort of chaotic, about, sort of everybody’s emotions going crazy at once."
The incident has raised questions about safety protocols and regulations related to training exercises. The Thurston County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
