Police chief: White Philadelphia sgt. lied about being shot by black man, actually shot self
By APTuesday, May 11, 2010
Police: Philly sergeant lied about being shot
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia’s police commissioner says a white sergeant who reported being shot by a black man last month actually shot himself intentionally.
Commissioner Charles Ramsey says Sgt. Robert Ralston told police a man had pointed a gun to his head in West Philadelphia on April 5. He reported suffering a graze wound to his shoulder after brushing away the weapon.
Ramsey says investigators have determined the 46-year-old Ralston made up the story, but they don’t know why. Ramsey says it’s possible the 21-year veteran did it to get attention or to get transferred.
Ramsey says the sergeant has been suspended with intent to dismiss, but that he won’t be prosecuted because granting immunity was the only way to get his confession.
A telephone listing for Ralston could not be located.
