1STAFFORD 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 notify

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