Officials: NJ Officer Charged With Endangering After Child's Shooting Death
STRATFORD, NJ (CBS) -- Authorities say charges have been filed against a Stratford police officer after he allegedly left a loaded firearm unsecured and accessible to three minor children.
Police: Investigation Underway After Girl, 8, Dies In Stratford, NJ
On Saturday, December 31, authorities say they responded to a 911 call regarding an unresponsive person on Union Avenue.
Before law enforcement could respond to the residence, the wounded 8-year-old child was taken to JFK Hospital in Stratford by her mother, where she was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound.
Authorities say an investigation revealed that police officer Kenneth Righter kept his personal revolver, loaded and unsecured on a shelf, which was within reach of the children.
Officials say as a result of the charges, Righter will be suspended from the Stratford Police Department without pay.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.