An officer whose gunshot wound to the thumb led to a frantic police chase and a nationally televised police beating of the suspect was actually shot by another officer, authorities said.
An officer whose gunshot wound to the thumb led to a frantic police chase and a nationally televised police beating of the suspect was actually shot by another officer, authorities said.
Charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault against suspect Thomas Jones were dropped Monday after ballistics tests indicated he did not shoot Officer Michael Livewell July 12. Jones is still accused of carjacking, robbery and fleeing police.
Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne M. Abraham said the shot was fired by Officer Cedric Gaines as he and Livewell struggled with Jones.
"My client has always maintained he didn't have a gun," said Jones' attorney, Blake Berenbaum.
Jones, 30, was initially pulled over by police for allegedly driving a stolen car. He then drove off in a police vehicle. Later, a television helicopter videotaped officers kicking and punching him during his arrest.
Jones, who had been in critical condition, was released from a hospital Monday.
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