A Newark NJ man was recently arrested after allegedly leaving behind a stolen handgun which a 12-year-old then used to shoot his 9-year-old sister.
Officers were called to a home on 280 Renner Avenue in Newark after receiving a report of a shooting. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the young victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
The victim was taken to nearby University Hospital, where she was treated for her injuries. Although the victim was initially listed in critical condition, her condition has since stabilized and she is now expected to survive the shooting.
Police investigated the incident and determined that it was an accidental shooting. According to police, the 12-year-old boy found a loaded 9-millimeter handgun in the home. He reportedly began to play with the gun, which resulted in him accidentally shooting his sister.
The investigation also revealed that the handgun had been reported stolen out of Alabama. Police believe that the handgun belonged to the suspect, who was not at the home when officers arrived. The 32-year-old suspect is reportedly the boyfriend of the children’s mother.
A warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest. Members of Newark’s Major Crimes Unit and U.S. Marshals eventually placed the suspect under arrest.
After being arrested, the suspect was charged with weapons offenses and endangering the welfare of a child.
The 33-year-old mother of the children was also charged in the case. She has already pleaded not guilty to weapons charges and child endangerment charges.
Authorities indicated that additional charges could be filed in the case. At this time, police are continuing to investigate the incident.
While the case is pending, both children have been removed from the home by the New Jersey Department of Youth and Family Services.
For more information, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Boyfriend of Children’s Mother Arrested in Shooting of 9-Year-Old Newark Girl.”
