Elderly woman shot by accidental discharge in new jersey pizza shop

Elderly Woman Shot by Accidental Discharge in New Jersey Pizza Shop

Posted by
1 min read
October 21, 2025

FLANDERS, N.J. – A 70-year-old man has been charged after a gun discharged inside a Mount Olive restaurant, striking an elderly woman in the leg during dinner.

Authorities said the shooting occurred Sunday evening at Frank’s Pizza on Route 206.

The victim, an 89-year-old woman, was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to her left leg and is reported to be in stable condition.


Key Points

  • 70-year-old man charged after accidental shooting in Mount Olive restaurant
  • Victim, 89, struck in the leg while dining at Frank’s Pizza
  • Suspect faces multiple assault and firearm-related charges

Gun discharged during meal at Frank’s Pizza

According to investigators, William H. Schmieding of White House Station was dining with friends when he removed a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard handgun from his holster and attempted to clear ammunition. The firearm discharged, firing a single round that struck the nearby woman.

Police said Schmieding possessed a valid permit to carry a handgun but was charged with violating safe firearm carry requirements, prohibited carrying of a firearm, and two counts of aggravated assault.

Suspect held pending court hearing

Following his arrest, Schmieding was detained at the Morris County Correctional Facility under the Criminal Justice Reform Act. He will remain in custody pending future court proceedings.

Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll credited the Mount Olive Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Unit for their roles in the investigation.

Authorities said the probe remains active and no further details have been released.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Facebook

Don't Miss