An actor at Netcong, NJ's Wild West City, shot in the head during a fake gunfight on July 7th, came out of a medically-induced coma on Friday. According to local news reports, Scott Harris, 37, was said to be responding to some stimuli and was able to keep his eyes open. He remains hospitalized.

The shooting incident occurred two weeks ago Friday, during the Sundance show, one of the several scheduled simulated gun battles on the main street of the tourist attraction. Performer Harris was injured and later found to have an object lodged in his forehead that had been tentatively identified as a small caliber "bullet."

The shooting is the first serious accident at Wild West City, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season. The performances reportedly included real guns as well as replica guns, some owned by the actors. The guns were confiscated a week after the incident -- performances had continued during the attraction's busiest season -- as part of the investigation.

Local authorities initially had trouble determining exactly which state agency has jurisdiction in fake gunfight safety procedures (this is New Jersey's sole Wild West town). Wild West City issued a statement on July 15 that all their performers receive safety training.

Update - January 2007 - Scott Harris is reported as continuing his slow recovery from the gunshot injury. [07/23/2006]

February 10, 2012