Gunshot wound may be self-inflicted

A Carson City woman remained in the hospital Thursday after she allegedly shot herself in the chest during an argument, police said.

Bonnie Sue Rath, 40, was taken to Washoe Medical Center by helicopter about 1:30 a.m. with a .38-caliber wound that entered her right chest and exited her back, said Carson City Sheriff's Detective Bob White.

White said Rath and her boyfriend, Brian Saunders, 45, were drinking when they began to argue at their apartment in the 400 block of Lee Street.

"He pulled out a revolver and threatened to shoot himself," White said. "Then he put the gun down, and she picked it up."

He said Saunders told Rath to shoot him, then she turned the gun on herself.

Initially, investigators suspected Rath was shot by Saunders, but both told the same story, White said.

He said Rath has a felony conviction and can be charged with being in possession of a firearm.