Teen Shot Grabbing For Gun
BY LIZ GOFF

Police last night began questioning a 24-year-old man who was being sought in connection with a botched robbery that led to an off-duty police shooting in Corona on January 28.

An off-duty police lieutenant shot and wounded a bottlewielding teenager during the incident, as the teen wrestled the cop for his service weapon, police officials said.

Police said Edwin Guaman, 17, tossed a beer bottle at the lieutenant when the 16 year New York Police Department veteran thwarted the robbery attempt by Guaman and his accomplice.

Police sources said Lieutenant Jose Jacome, assigned to the nearby 110th Precinct, picked up his girlfriend from her job in Jackson Heights at about 5 a.m. on January 28. The pair was driving on 90th Street near 35th Avenue at about 5:30 a.m., when they saw a man pleading for his life while being beaten by two men.

"The man was screaming, 'Help me. I'm being robbed,'" according to sources.

Jacome jumped from his car, identified himself as a police officer, in both English and Spanish, and showed his badge, police said. When Jacome ordered the men to stop, they fled along 90th Street, with the lieutenant in close pursuit while Jacome's girlfriend called 911 for assistance, police said.

Jacome caught up with one of the attackers on 37th Avenue, but was forced to let go of the man when Guaman ran toward him with a Heineken bottle. Guaman allegedly hurled the beer bottle at Jacome, but missed. Jacome then turned to grab Guaman, who struggled with the cop for his gun, police said. The weapon fired during the struggle, with one round striking Guaman in the torso.

Police sources said the shell from the round fired from Jacome's gun "stovepiped" in the weapon, indicating there was a close struggle.

Jacome then ran after the second suspect, who fled in an unknown direction, police said.

Guaman was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where he is listed in critical but stable condition. Police sources said detectives are waiting for medical clearance from doctors at Elmhurst to question Guaman and charge him in the incident.

Police are searching for the victim, who fled on foot when the lieutenant began his pursuit of the two bandits. Investigators are urging the victim to come forward with details of the attack, and to provide a positive identification of Guaman and his accomplice.