Police: NJ Boy Wounded While Playing with Gun

Authorities say a young boy escaped serious injury when he accidentally shot himself in the leg while playing with a gun in his central New Jersey home.

The 10-year-old Keyport boy, whose name was not disclosed, needed stiches and was being kept in the hospital overnight for observation. But authorities say he won't require surgery and should fully recover.

Police Chief George Casaletto says the shooting occurred just before 8 p.m. Monday. But it wasn't immediately clear how the boy got hold of the gun or who owned it.

Casaletto declined to comment on whether charges would be filed, citing the ongoing investigation. He said family members were home when the shooting occurred.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)