Hasbrouck Heights Man's Gun Goes Off, Accidentally Shoots Coin Show Vendor: Cops

PARSIPPANY, N.J. – One North Jersey man visited a coin show with a different kind of collectible, and ended up accidentally shooting someone.

Parsippany Police and ambulance responded to 33 Baldwin Road on May 1 at 1 p.m. for a call of a possible accidental discharge of a gun, Officer Remo D’alessandro said.

Upon arrival, officers were met by William Wetzler, Jr., 58, of Hasbrouck Heights, who was a vendor at the coin show being held at the Police Athletic League building, D’alessandro said.

Wetzler had in his possession a silver Walther PPK, 9MM handgun, which accidentally discharged while in his pocket, D’alessandro said.

The discharged round ricocheted on the ground and struck a victim, a 67-year-old man from Toms River, who was also a vendor at the show, D’alessandro said.

Both men suffered non-life threatening injuries and did not require medical attention.

Wetzler was placed under arrest and charged with unlawful possession of a handgun and negligently discharging a firearm in a public location.