California officers shot in friendly fire

Two police officers in California who fired at a man with a knife accidentally shot each other as well as the suspect.

Two California police officers responding to a report of a man with a knife accidentally shot each other, authorities say.

Both officers were released from the hospital after being treated for minor injuries sustained during the confrontation in Huntington Beach on Thursday.

The suspect, who was also shot, remained hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries.

A preliminary investigation found the officers "were injured by friendly fire", according to a statement by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

They were called to a residential neighbourhood in the coastal city south of Los Angeles on a report of a man with a knife slashing tires.

During a confrontation with the suspect, at least one of the officers opened fire, striking him. Both officers were hit as well. One officer was struck in the lower extremities, and the other higher in the body, officials said.

A knife was recovered at the scene.


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Source: AAP



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