Man shoots himself with a gun he grabbed from a Boston police officer, authorities say

BOSTON (AP) — A man in Boston was arrested after grabbing a gun from a police officer outside a hospital and shooting himself, prompting a large emergency response, authorities said Tuesday. The man’s injury appeared to be non-life-threatening.

The officer “was approached by someone who appeared to be suffering from some sort of mental health issue,” Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox told reporters. He said the man was able to get a hold of the officer’s firearm, and discharged at least one round.

The man was taken to the hospital for treatment, Cox said. Authorities didn’t release his name.

Cox said passers-by and other officers stepped in to help.

“As with all discharges involving an officer weapon, we will conduct a thorough investigation,” James Borghesani, a spokesperson for the Suffolk County district attorney’s office, said in a statement.

“We are thankful that the Boston Police officers on scene contained the situation so that it resulted in no injuries to themselves or members of the public and apparent minimal injury to the suspect involved.”