Officer Resigns After Accidental Shooting

A Lacey Township police officer resigned after accidentally discharging his weapon recently, Chief William Nally said.

Officer Gerard Noda’s weapon accidentally discharged at approximately 8:50 p.m. on June 2, injuring Officer Julie Barcalow, Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office previously said.

The incident occurred in the department’s squad room after a training exercise.

Barcalow was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River where she was treated and released and has since returned to duty.

The incident was under an internal affairs investigation by the Lacey Township Police Department when Noda resigned in relation to the accident, Nally said. The department did not suspect criminal wrongdoing, he said.

Since Noda resigned prior to the completion of the investigation, no charges will be pressed, Nally said. The police department has ceased the investigation.

Noda was not immediately available for comment.