An 29-year-old Easton man admitted Monday he left a shotgun just a few feet from his 1-year-old son in a bassinet.
Eugene Austin Owens III was sentenced to three years of probation for endangering the welfare of the child.
His 3-year-old son was also nearby in his apartment in the 300 block of Taylor Avenue in the early morning hours of Sept. 24, 2016.
Owens had been charged with firing the gun at least three different times that night. Police officers heard three shots when they responded to the third call of shots fired.
But Owens did not admit to firing the gun Monday. In exchange for his guilty plea, an additional count of endangering the welfare of a child was dropped, as well as a charge of recklessly endangering another person.
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Owen’s attorney Janet Jackson told Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano the gun was not loaded. She said Owens has held a steady job for three years and supports the wife and two children. His was was in court Monday to support him.
“Probation is appropriate,” Giordano said.
Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
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