Prosecutor: Edison man accidentally shoots, kills wife while clearing registered firearm
Authorities say Patricia Novak was in the basement of her home when prosecutors say her husband Richard Novak was on the first floor clearing one of his guns.
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A man accidentally shot his gun through the floor in his home Friday on Glencourt Avenue in Edison and killed his wife, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan.
Authorities say Patricia Novak, 76, was in the basement of her home around 2 p.m. when prosecutors say her husband Richard Novak, 82, was on the first floor clearing one of his registered firearms. The gun went off and shot through the floor into the basement, hitting his wife.
Prosecutors say Richard heard Patricia scream and immediately went to check on her. When he realized he accidentally shot her, authorities say he immediately called 911. Patricia was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Prosecutors say Richard cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation. It’s unclear if he will face any charges.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Detective Paone of the Edison Police Department at 732-248-7413.
