Police: Harlem Robbery Suspect Shot In The Leg After Officer's Gun Goes Off
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A robbery suspect was accidentally shot in the leg as officers were arresting him in Manhattan, police said.
Richard Pearson, 47, had apparently been panhandling near a Harlem restaurant Monday evening when he allegedly swiped cash from a recently paid bill off an outdoor table.
Officers driving by heard the commotion and raced after Pearson, catching up to him about a block away, police said.
As officers held Pearson down and attempted to cuff him, police said one of the officers fired a shot as he was trying to holster his gun.
The officer said he thought his finger was off the trigger, police said.
Pearson was shot once in the leg and is listed in stable condition at Harlem Hospital.
The officer is on desk duty pending a routine investigation.
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