NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) – A suspect was shot and wounded when a New Haven police officer’s gun accidentally discharged during a struggle over the weekend, police said.

Tyrone Thomas was treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound to the shoulder Saturday and released to the custody of police. A domestic dispute brought officers to the apartment at about 5 a.m. When police arrived, a woman opened the door and allowed police inside the second-floor apartment.

Police say the 31-year-old Thomas was holding a large kitchen knife when officers encountered him. When ordered to drop the knife, he allegedly pulled out two more knives.

“Police officers again repeat their command. He does not comply at this time and becomes embroiled in a violent struggle with officers,” Police Lt. Herman Badger told the New Haven Register.

Because there were young children in the apartment, Thomas was charged with risk of injury to a minor as well as threatening and breach of peace. More charges are expected.

The officer whose gun discharged was identified as Officer Richard Lawton. He’s been placed on desk duty pending an internal investigation, police officials said.

—

Information from: New Haven Register, http://www.ctcentral.com

AP-ES-01-08-06 1700EST