Police Officer Shoots Self in Leg in Front of Headquarters

A Coatesville Police Officer shot herself in the leg, right in front of police headquarters last night while she was trying to arrest a man.

The man she was pursuing is being charged with driving under the influence and related offenses.

According to a police statement, the officer was attempting to arrest Michael Vega when she pulled out her gun and it went off.

Vega, 43, was the suspect in a hit and run that happened in another part of town.

When the victim in the other car was trying to exchange information with Vega, he left the scene, according to police. The female officer found Vega, in his car, at 3rd and Kersey Street.

Vega was resisting arrest when the officer drew her gun, police say.

Her injuries are not life-threatening.

Vega, who is from Coatesville, is charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, driving under the influence and related charges. His bail was set at $500,000.

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