New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

January 16, 2002

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife filed charges last week in the December 4, 2001 incident that occurred in Blairstown, Warren County in which a 16-month-old girl was injured by flying glass when a vehicle she was a passenger in was struck by a single buckshot pellet. Three individuals were charged with the following violations: negligent discharge, careless discharge and damage to property. In addition, the violators' hunting privileges were suspended.

"This was a serious and potentially tragic incident that should not have happened," said Division Director Bob McDowell. "Hunter safety is not an issue to be taken lightly. Those who choose to hunt in New Jersey and violate safe hunting practices will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Following is a complete list of charges to the individuals:

Stephen Christine, age 54 and a resident of Oxford was charged with negligent discharge ($500 - $2,000); a five-year suspension of all privileges to take wildlife; and the required completion of the Division's Remedial Hunter Education Course before the license can be restored. In addition, he was charged with damage to property (up to $2,000 plus restitution to the victim) as well as discharge of a firearm across a road ($100 - $200).

William Dean, age 42 and a resident of Blairstown was charged with the careless discharge of a firearm ($100 - $500); the two-year loss of all privileges to take wildlife; and completion of the Division's Remedial Hunter Education Course before the license can be restored.

Robert Stout, age 31 and a resident of Marshalls Creek, PA was charged with the careless discharge of a firearm ($100 - $500); the two-year loss of privileges to take wildlife; and completion of the Division's Remedial Hunter Education Course before the license can be restored.