NYPD officer accidentally shoots two female bystanders while trying to stop a man running into traffic
A New York police officer accidentally shot two bystanders as he tried to stop a man running into traffic.
A 54-year-old woman was struck in the leg as she leaned on her four-wheeled walker across from the bus terminal where the officers were.
Another woman, 35, was grazed on her buttocks by a bullet.
The accident happened after the man, who was stood in the middle of a busy New York road, reached into his pocket as officers approached, leading them to think he was armed.
Two cops fired a total of three shots at him, but two hit the women.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said the man had "simulated shooting the officers".
Witnesses said someone nearby shouted out "he's got a gun!" just before the shots rang out.
Both women were rushed to hospital but were released later that night.
The incident took place just a block from Times Square at 9.30pm when a 35-year-old man ran into a road and blocked the traffic.
While cars swerved to avoid him, dozens of police arrived at the scene and attempted to subdue him.
Eyewitness Fabiola Ferere, 30, said: "It was like he wanted to get hit."
Police eventually used a Taser to bring the man under control and took him to hospital.