Man Shot, Critically Wounded By Off-Duty Philadelphia Police Officer Charged: Authorities
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A man who was shot and critically wounded by a police officer who said the suspect lunged at him with a pair of scissors in South Philadelphia last weekend is now facing charges, police said. Frederick Middleton, 57, was charged Wednesday with simple assault, reckless endangering and possession of an instrument of crime, police said Wednesday.
Authorities said earlier that the officer was visiting friends at about 5:45 p.m. Saturday and heard a commotion, then saw a man dumping contents from a recycling bin and breaking glass items. Police allege he flashed pair of scissors at the officer and swung at him several times, and the officer fired his own 9mm firearm at least four times, striking the man three times in the wrist, chest and leg.
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The man was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in critical condition. Neighbors said he is homeless and well-known in the neighborhood. Police said the scissors were recovered and the officer, who has been on the force for three years, was uninjured. The police internal affairs bureau will investigate the shooting.
It's unclear whether Middleton has an attorney; a listed number for him couldn't be found Wednesday.
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