Ex-Bridgeport police officer gets probation for shooting himself

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BRIDGEPORT >> A state judge has approved a probation program for a now-retired city police officer who accidentally shot himself in the leg at a busy bagel shop.

Juan Santiago appeared Tuesday in Superior Court and was granted accelerated rehabilitation by Judge Earl Richards. A misdemeanor charge of unlawful discharge of a firearm will be erased if he completes six months of probation.

State police say Santiago was with three other city officers at the Bagel King in December when he mishandled a pistol. Authorities say the gun fired a shot that wounded Santiago’s left thigh and shattered a window, but no one else was hurt.

Some residents criticized police for not immediately arresting Santiago, who was charged nearly two months later.

Santiago was an officer 29 years.