Ballistics Undercut Philly Melee Charges
PHILADELPHIA — An officer whose gunshot wound to the thumb led to a 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 on July 12. Jones is still accused of carjacking, robbery and fleeing police.
“My client has always maintained he didn’t have a gun,” said Jones’ attorney, Blake Berenbaum.
Jones, 30, was pulled over for allegedly driving a stolen car. He then drove off in a police vehicle. Later, a TV helicopter videotaped officers kicking and punching him.
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