Watch CBS News

NJ Man Allegedly Shoots Nail Into His Own Heart Prior To Arrest

TOMS RIVER, NJ (CBS) – A man is in critical, but stable condition after he allegedly shot a nail into his heart using a nail gun.

On October 9, detectives from the Ocean County Sherriff's Department served a non-payment of child support warrant to George Clark, 56, at his residence in Toms River, New Jersey.

Authorities took Clark into custody without incident, but while he was being processed he began to have difficulty breathing. The arresting detectives immediately requested medical attention and medics began an evaluation.

When checking Clark's chest medics discovered a puncture wound. He was then airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center for further treatment.

X-rays revealed a single nail lodged in Clark's heart. He is currently in the ICU in critical, but stable condition.

Authorities searched his residence for evidence and found a Remington Power Actuated Tool on the floor beside his bed with a single spent nail casing inside of the tool.

A preliminary investigation indicates Clark suffered the injury prior to his arrest, but it wasn't apparent to detectives until he showed signs of distress during his processing.

You may also be interested in these stories:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.