A Western Wayne woman accidentally shot her husband as they began investigating a noise they’d heard from the outdoors, according to Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. Nov. 21, Wayne County sheriff’s deputies responded to the 800 block of National Road in Cambridge City to investigate the report of a shooting.
Heidi Bartlett, 41, contacted 911 to report she shot her husband, Matthew Bartlett, 44, in the leg, Retter said.
The investigation revealed that while in their residence, Heidi and Matthew heard a noise outside, and their dogs were barking and jumping at the door.
Heidi and Matthew went to investigate the noise. At Matthew’s suggestion, Heidi retrieved a handgun before walking out of their home behind him.
Just after exiting the residence, the handgun discharged, striking Matthew in the lower extremities.
It appeared that the single bullet entered Matthew’s upper left leg with the round exiting lower at an angle, then the round entered Matthew’s right leg just above the knee, Retter said.
Matthew and Heidi were cooperative throughout the investigation of the incident, which was determined to be accidental, Retter said.
Matthew received treatment for his injuries at Reid Health.
Retter thanked Cambridge City Police Department, Hagerstown Fire Department, Reid Health Ambulance Service, Cambridge City Fire Department and Wayne County Emergency Communications for their assistance during the investigation.