Suspect shot in leg by police officer recovering

Off-duty officer responding in apparent SUV break-in

A man shot in the knee by an off-duty Baltimore police officer during an apparent break-in of the officer's vehicle was continuing to recuperate Sunday in the Maryland Shock Trauma Center, city police said.

The name of the man was not released, but he is in his 30s and is expected to be charged with auto theft and related crimes, according to police. Police have not identified the officer, but said he is a 10-year veteran of the department. He was placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Shortly before midnight Friday, the officer heard a vehicle alarm go off, and when he went to investigate, saw a man exiting the rear door of the officer's sport-utility vehicle, police said. The SUV had a window smashed and was parked in a lot near East Chase and North Charles streets, police said. Police said the man appeared to reach for something when the officer ordered him to stop, and the officer shot him. The suspect had a screwdriver, police said.

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