A Milwaukee police sergeant whose gun went off inside Southridge Mall in Greendale on Nov. 2 was charged Thursday with endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon, a misdemeanor.

Michael A. Edwards, 45, has been on the force since 1986. He also is the president of the Milwaukee Police Supervisors' Organization, the union that represents sergeants, lieutenants and captains, according to the organization's website.

If convicted, Edwards faces a maximum possible penalty of nine months in jail and a fine of $10,000.

According to a criminal complaint released Thursday, Edwards was in line at Auntie Anne's pretzel shop when he reached into his back pocket for his wallet. As he did, his gun slid out of his waistband and down his pants. As he reached for the weapon, it went off, blowing a hole through his pants. The gun was not in a holster and did not have a safety, the complaint says.

A woman standing nearby heard a loud bang and felt a stinging sensation on her leg, where she suffered a welt, the complaint says....