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At 2:40 a.m., Manchester Township police responded to a residence in Whiting and found Richard Rokicki with a gunshot wound, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. He was transported to a nearby hospital, authorities said.
Rokicki told police that while a friend was visiting his home, he asked the friend if he could hold his firearm, Billhimer said. Rokicki told police he accidently shot himself in the leg, at which time his friend collected the weapon and left the residence, Billhimer said. Rokicki gave police a description of his friend and the type of vehicle he was driving, Billhimer said.
A search of Rokicki's residence turned up a handgun reported stolen in North Carolina, as well as a spent shell casing, Billhimer said. Further investigation revealed Rokicki made up the story about the friend at his home, and that he alone was in possession of the stolen handgun, Billhimer said.
After being released from the hospital, Rokicki was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing, Billhimer said.
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