3 wounded when retired Danville officer’s gun discharges

DANVILLE -- A retired Danville police lieutenant's gun accidentally fired Monday, injuring him and two others while they ate lunch.

Police went to the restaurant at 2:37 p.m. after receiving a shots-fired 911 call.

Lt. Mike Mondul, a police spokesman, said John William Martin Jr., 73, of Blairs had the gun in his waistband. When he stood up, it discharged, according to a news release from the Danville Police Department.

The bullet splintered when it hit the floor, and its fragments hit Martin in the leg and two other people.

Mondul said their injuries were not life-threatening. The victims were taken to Danville Regional Medical Center.

The shooting happened in the back of the restaurant, owner William Wyatt said. He said he was standing in the kitchen door when he heard the gunshot.

"It sounded like a tray, like somebody dropped a tray," Wyatt said.

About 110 customers were eating in the restaurant when the gun fired, he said. Martin was with a group of about 90 people who were going to a funeral Monday, Wyatt said. They met at Libby Hill Seafood to have lunch.

None of the employees knew Martin had a gun.

The restaurant temporarily closed while officers investigated the shooting. Patrons who already were eating could stay, but police told Wyatt that he couldn't seat anyone else until investigators finished.

Mondul said the department is investigating the accidental shooting, and charges may be pending. Martin retired from the police department more than 20 years ago.

Matt Tomsic is a staff writer for the Register & Bee in Danville.