STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A Stafford Township man has been charged after his 13-year-old daughter was accidentally shot while he was cleaning a firearm inside their home, authorities announced today.
Edgar Baerga, 47, was charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a minor following the incident, which occurred at his residence on Saturday at around 2:00 p.m., according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Officers from the Stafford Township Police Department responded to Southern Ocean Medical Center after a 911 call reported a girl with a gunshot wound to the right side of her torso. Investigators determined that Baerga was handling a firearm when it discharged, striking the teen.
Authorities said Baerga drove his daughter to the hospital before notifying police. She was later transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she is listed in stable condition.
Investigation and legal proceedings
The investigation was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Stafford Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit. Baerga was charged and served with a summons pending future court proceedings in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer commended the combined efforts of the responding agencies. No additional injuries were reported, and authorities did not disclose whether any other minors were present in the home at the time of the shooting.