By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Morris County announced that William H. Schmieding, 70, of White House Station, has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault, Violating Safe Carry Firearm Requirements, and Prohibited Carrying of a Firearm.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll stated that on October 20, the Mount Olive Township Police were dispatched to Frank’s Pizza on Route 206 in Flanders, on the report of a firearm discharge with an injured party.
Upon arrival, officers located an 89-year-old female with an apparent gunshot wound to her left leg, MCP officials say. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
According to Morris County officials, subsequent investigation revealed that William H. 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, MCPO authorities stated.
This round struck the victim in the left leg, causing injury, MCPO officials say.
Morris County officials, as a result of the incident, 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, MCPO officials said. 
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time.