A Harrisburg police officer accused of shooting his wife in the buttocks was charged today with several counts related to the Memorial Day weekend incident.



Officer William Owens was charged with simple assault, reckless endangerment and making false reports to police.



According to Dauphin County District Attorney Edward M. Marsico Jr., Owens initially told police he wasn't sure how his wife was wounded and believed she may have been hit by a stray bullet about 6 p.m. Saturday. However, upon further questioning, Owens admitted shooting his wife while showing off his service weapon to friends, Marsico said.



Owens fired more than one round, with one hitting Lakita Owens, according to Marsico.



Marsico said Owens, who has been placed on unpaid leave, was drinking at the time. "We see time and time again ... people who are under the influence do stupid things with guns," Marsico said during press conference this morning at the county courthouse. "To have something like this ... it ultimately puts a black mark not just on Officer Owens but police in general."

