Daniel Tepfer
BRIDGEPORT -- A 29-year veteran
of the police force, who shot himself in the leg while examining a gun in a
crowded restaurant, has been granted entry to a special probation program.
Following a short hearing
Tuesday morning, state Superior Court Judge Earl Richards granted accelerated
rehabilitation to 56-year-old Juan Santiago.
The program is for first-time,
nonviolent offenders. Santiago -- who was charged with unlawful discharge of a
firearm, a misdemeanor -- did not plead guilty to the charge, but was placed on
six months' probation. If he commits no other crimes during that probation, the
original charge against him will be dismissed.
"He has given up his job,
he injured only himself. This is the appropriate disposition of the case,"
said Assistant State's Attorney Marc Durso.
"He wasn't given
preferential treatment," said Santiago's lawyer, John Gulash. "He was
charged following an investigation ... He has had a distinguished career with
the Bridgeport Police Department and has led an exemplary life, including being
involved in the community."
Since his arrest in February,
Santiago has retired from the Police Department.
On Dec. 17, police said
Santiago was examining a handgun in the Bagel King restaurant on Main Street
when the gun went off, wounding him in the leg and shattering a window in the
crowded restaurant.
In his statement to police,
Santiago said that after taking the pouch containing the gun from another officer,
he unzipped the pouch and grasped the gun.
"I immediately pointed the
firearm downward. In an attempt to make the weapon safe, I pulled the slide to
the rear in order to check the chamber for any live rounds. As I did so, the
slide slid forward. At this time, I observed that the hammer was pulled to the
rear of the firearm. I placed my thumb on the hammer in (sic) attempt to safe
guard the firearm, the hammer slipped from my thumb, hitting the firing pin,
accidentally discharging the firearm. I was struck in my left thigh. I was
transported to St. Vincent's Hospital for treatment."
The shooting incident sparked
protests when Santiago was not immediately arrested.
Instead, Bridgeport Police
Chief Joseph Gaudett turned the investigation over to State police
