Gun Store Shooting: NM store customer accidentally shot, authorities say

(CBS/AP) SILVER CITY, N.M. - An employee at a southern New Mexico gun shop who was unloading a handgun accidentally shot and wounded a customer in the back, authorities said Wednesday.

The 65-year-old customer, who remains unidentified, was airlifted from Silver City to an El Paso, Texas hospital after the shooting on Tuesday.

He is in stable condition, police Capt. Steve Reese said.

The shooting occurred at Copper Country Sporting Arms and involved a .45 caliber handgun, Reese said.

Reese said the case had been handed over to prosecutors who will make a decision on whether any charges should be filed.

"It was pretty unusual," he said. "We hadn't seen any signs of foul play or anything like that."

The name of the employee has not been released and the gun shop has yet to comment.

Reese said the store has not had any previous problems.