Cop grazed by own bullet in Rhode Island Ave. Home Depot scuffle
Updated: August 23, 2010 - 06:58 pm

- An off-duty police officer was bit by a suspect and grazed by a bullet from his own gun today around noon at the Home Depot on Rhode Island Avenue. (Photo: TBD Staff)
UPDATE 4:50: The main entrance has reopened.
UPDATE 12:57: The Home Depot is still open, but the main entrance is closed. Customers can enter through the south exit doors.
ORIGINAL:
An off-duty police officer's elbow was grazed by a bullet from his own gun during an apparent altercation with an alleged shoplifter at the entrance of the Rhode Island Avenue Home Depot in Northeast, according to a D.C. police official and ABC 7.
The D.C. police officer and one male suspect, who was also injured in the scuffle, are being transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Police wouldn't identify either of them.
Fifth District Police Cmdr. Lamar Greene said the officer was employed part time at Home Depot as a security officer. Around noon, an employee told the officer that the suspect was "involved in fraudulent activity," the nature of which the police refused to comment on.
After the officer approached the suspect inside the store's entrance, a melee ensued, the suspect either touched or got a hold of the officer's gun and also bit the officer several times, according to police.
ABC 7 has additional details in this video:
Police are reviewing surveillance tapes from inside the store to see if the altercation was recorded.
Police and D.C. Fire and EMS were called to the Rhode Island Avenue Home Depot in Northeast after a report of a shooting at 11:45 a.m.
By around 12:15 p.m., Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. had arrived on the scene. Thomas said the officer has been employed at the store for a while.
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