BARNEGAT: On March 12th at approximately 10:30pm, Barnegat Police responded to a Sextant Drive address for a report of a 13 year-old juvenile with an apparent gunshot wound to the foot. The juvenile was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment.

The juvenile reported that he was at the public park on Bilge Street when he heard a pop and realized that he had been shot in the foot. The juvenile reported that he was alone in the park and never saw anyone there. A thorough investigation and search of the park revealed no blood nor any other evidence of a shooting occurring there. The agency also received no reports of gunshots. No firearm has been recovered.

Based on what is a continuing investigation, our agency believes this was an isolated, accidental shooting. All of the involved parties (who are juveniles) have been identified.

Detectives are continuing the investigation and are following-up on social media posts about the incident. Anyone with information or social media posts about the incident is asked to contact Detective Hetrick or Patrolman Carlo at 609-698-5000.