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Man In Bridgewater Shooting Incident Had AR-15, 2K Rounds: Prosecutor

A Bridgewater man who authorities say prompted a massive law enforcement response after firing a gun Monday has been charged with multiple offenses, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said Wednesday. 

Michael D. Shaffer

Michael D. Shaffer

Photo Credit: Somerset County Prosecutor's Office

The State Police, FBI crisis negotiators, Somerset County SWAT and other agencies responded following a 911 call placed to Bridgewater police around 4:35 p.m. requesting a welfare check at a home on Country Club Road. A resident told responding police that Donald G. Shaffer, 61, was in an attached garage and had multiple weapons. Police heard gunshots as they were arriving at the scene, the prosecutor's office said. 

A 38-year-old and two children, ages 3 and 8 months, were evacuated from the home as authorities set up a security perimeter in the area. 

Authorities said Shaffer left the garage around 6:30 p.m. and was arrested by SWAT members. Investigators said Shaffer had fired multiple shots inside the garage, two of which went through the garage door, nearly hitting a Bridgewater police officer. 

Authorities also said four weapons were found: a revolver, a semi-automatic handgun, a shotgun and an AR-15 rifle with 2,000 rounds of ammunition. 

Shaffer has been charged with multiple weapons offenses, endangering another person, disorderly persons assault and aggravated assault. He was being held at the Somerset County jail following his release from a medical facility. 

Prosecutor Michael Robinson commended Bridgewater police and the other responding agencies. 

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