Charges filed after officer's gun went off in Southridge



GREENDALE -- Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn is "disappointed" charges were filed Thursday against an off-duty Milwaukee police officer whose gun accidentally went off at the food court of Southridge Mall in early November.

Michael Edwards is charged with one count of endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon.

At the time of the incident, the Greendale Police Department said this was a freak accident. They say the officer is allowed to carry his weapon while off-duty.

On Facebook Thursday afternoon, Chief Flynn issued the following statement...

"I am disappointed the District Attorney has decide to use the overburdened criminal justice system to address a situation that is best and most appropriately handled as a training and disciplinary matter."

The incident occurred in front of Auntie Annie's Pretzels. When the officer reached for his wallet, the gun went off. Edwards immediately contacted mall security. Greendale police say Edwards was extremely cooperative and embarrassed.

If convicted, Edwards faces up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine.