newjerseynewsroom.com

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

On April 11, 2008, Picatinny Arsenal was testing M107 155-mm artillery projectiles, and the U.S. government determined that a two pound piece of shrapnel from the testing traveled about 5,984 feet outside the testing area and into the home of the Angle family in Jefferson.

The shrapnel went through the roof and landed on the bed of Frederick Angle’s stepdaughter, and hit the family cat. The cat was treated and had to be euthanized, with the bill coming to $1,000.

According to the Daily Record, the U.S. Army’s final settlement offer to the Angles is $7,386. The total included $780 for the cat’s care, $1,687 to replace bedroom furniture and $4,919 to repair the roof damage.

The 56-year old Angle said he was "disgusted and disillusioned" by his fight to get the Army to pay for the damages, according to NJ.com. He seeks restitution for the emotional distress caused to his family by the incident. He said he will file an appeal with the Army, and will sue in federal court if that fails.

Angle said his wife, Cheryl Ann, 53, and his stepson, Brandon, 18, were in the kitchen at the time the shrapnel hit and still suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

He said that several psychologists don’t want to be involved with patients who may sue the government, and have declined treatments. Cheryl Ann Angle’s health has also suffered from a brief use of anti-depressants.

According to the Associated Press, a Picatinny spokesman said major steps were taken after the incident to prevent it from happening in the future.