CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Charleston police officer who was the city's first officer shot and killed in the line of duty in 28 years may have been struck by friendly fire.
Charleston Mayor Danny Jones said Patrolman Jerry Jones was fatally wounded early Sunday by a bullet fired from another officer's gun.
The mayor also said a suspect who died at the scene was unarmed. His name has not been released.
Jones, who is no relation to the fallen officer, said five officers are on paid leave while the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department investigates.
The mayor said police fired their weapons after the suspect began ramming cruisers with his car near Quick.
The 27-year-old police officer was wearing his bulletproof vest, but the bullet struck him just above the vest.
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