Hunterdon County Man Charged With Discharging A Firearm That Injured An Elderly Woman

Thursday, October 23, 2025, 7:30 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

FLANDERS, NJ.- On Monday, following a shooting investigation, a 70-year-old White House Station, New Jersey, man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with discharging a firearm inside a local pizzeria, injuring an 89-year-old woman.

     According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, on Monday, October 20, 2025, members of the Mount Olive Township Police Department responded to a report of a firearm being discharged, resulting in an injury inside Frank’s Pizza located on Route 206 in the Flanders section of Mount Olive Township.

     Upon arrival, Police Officers discovered an 89-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to her leg. The woman was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is listed in stable condition. 

Investigation Determines Schmieding Improperly Handled The Gun

     During the initial investigation, Responding Police Officers determined that William H. Schmieding, 70, of White House Station, New Jersey, who has a permit to carry a handgun, was eating at the restaurant with friends. During the meal, Schmieding removed a Smith & Wesson handgun from his holster and attempted to clear ammunition from the chamber, resulting in the gun firing a round, striking the woman, and causing an injury to her leg.

     As a result of the initial investigation, Schmieding was taken into custody and formally charged with one count of second-degree Aggravated Assault; fourth-degree Aggravated Assault; third-degree Prohibited Carrying of a Firearm; and fourth-degree Violating Safe Firearm Carrying Requirements.

     Schmieding was processed on the charges and was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he remains detained pending future court proceedings in Morris County Superior Court in Morristown, New Jersey.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”