WHITING, N.J. — A Whiting man is facing multiple weapons charges after he accidentally shot himself in the leg with a stolen handgun and then lied to investigators about the incident, authorities said.
Richard Rokicki, 58, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, being a certain person not to possess a weapon, and hindering his own apprehension, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.
Manchester Township police responded to Rokicki’s residence around 2:40 a.m. Sunday and found him with a gunshot wound to his leg. He was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment.
Rokicki initially told detectives that a friend had visited his home and allowed him to hold a firearm, at which point he accidentally shot himself. He claimed the friend took the weapon and left. However, a court-authorized search of the home led to the discovery of a stolen handgun from North Carolina and a spent shell casing. Investigators later determined that Rokicki had fabricated the story and was alone when the gun discharged.
Following his release from the hospital, Rokicki was taken into custody at his residence without incident. He is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Authorities say Rokicki’s attempt to mislead investigators unraveled after a search of his home uncovered the stolen weapon.
