Atlanta cop hit suspect who shot his partner in face

He caught up with the suspect, who raised his arm as if armed, so the officer hit him with his gun

January 25, 2013 04:31 AM

This photo provided by Fulton County, Ga., shows Frank Nance. Authorities said Nance was arrested for the shooting of Officer Reginald Robinson on Friday, Jan. 11.

By Kate Brumback
Associated Press

ATLANTA — An Atlanta police officer rushing to help a wounded rookie says he hit a suspect in the face with his gun because he feared for his life.

A mug shot taken after 20-year-old Frank Nance’s arrest Jan. 11 shows multiple bloody cuts on the suspect’s face. Police have declined to release any details on Nance’s injuries.

A police report obtained Thursday by The Associated Press states that shortly after Officer Reginald Robinson was shot in the face, Officer Andre Bent caught up with Nance.

According to the report, Bent said Nance turned toward him and began raising his left hand, and it wasn’t clear if he had a weapon.

Bent says he struck Nance and his service weapon discharged once toward the sky.

Officer Safety Pursuit Use of Force