On January 2nd, 2026 NLCRPD Officers received a report of a male with a gunshot wound to the hand.  Officers responded to UPMC Lititz and made contact with Shawn Michael Merkey age 48 of East Petersburg, PA.  Shawn Merkey explained that he was cleaning his firearm when it accidentally discharged in his residence, which is located in the 2300 block of Valley Road, East Petersburg Borough, PA.  At the time of the discharge, there was a minor in the residence and one other adult.  As a result of the investigation, Shawn Merkey was charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a minor and recklessly endangering another.  The charges are before MDJ Chudzik.  Merkey was processed on these charges on March 29th, 2026.