Sheriff’s captain: Trainee mistook store manager’s finger for gun, fires, misses 8 times
By APMonday, October 4, 2010
LA sheriff: Trainee mistook store clerk for robber
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Authorities say a deputy trainee fired eight times at a liquor store manager after mistaking the man’s finger for a gun as he pointed toward fleeing robbers.
Los Angeles sheriff’s Capt. Mike Parker told the Los Angeles Times that all the shots missed early Sunday.
Parker says the manager called 911 from the West Hollywood liquor store, ran outside as deputies arrived, then started pointing. The shooting is being investigated by internal affairs and detectives.
Parker says good guys and bad guys are not always obvious when police arrive at a crime scene. As is customary, the deputy won’t immediately go back on patrol.
Information from: Los Angeles Times, www.latimes.com
