FLANDERS, NJ — A 70-year-old man has been charged after a firearm discharged inside a pizzeria, striking an 89-year-old woman.
William H. Schmieding, of White House Station, New Jersey, faces two counts of aggravated assault, violating safe carry firearm requirements and prohibited carrying of a firearm.
Mount Olive Township Police were dispatched to Frank’s Pizza on Route 206 on Oct. 20 on the report of a firearm discharge with an injured party.
Officers located an 89-year-old woman with an apparent gunshot wound to her left leg.
The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Investigation revealed that Schmieding, who has a permit to carry a handgun, was eating at the restaurant with friends.
During the meal, Schmieding removed a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard handgun from his holster and attempted to clear ammunition, which resulted in the gun firing a round.
The round struck the victim in the left leg, causing injury.
Schmieding was charged with aggravated assault, a crime of the second degree; aggravated assault, a crime of the fourth degree; prohibited carrying of a firearm, a crime of the third degree; and violating safe firearm carry requirements, a crime of the fourth degree.
Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act, Schmieding has been detained in the Morris County Correctional Facility, pending future court proceedings.
Members of the Mount Olive Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit are participating in this investigation.
Anyone with information related to this investigation can call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200.
