Robbery suspect shot in chest by police officer

Monday, May 5, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

A Metro Police officer shot a robbery suspect in the chest as he was getting away with money he allegedly took from a pawnshop on Nellis Boulevard, police said.

About 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Cory Dudley, 22, of Las Vegas ran out of the Super Pawn at 354 N. Nellis Blvd., near Stewart Avenue, with "his robber's bag," police said. Two citizens chased after Dudley on foot and were joined by a police officer.

As the officer climbed over a block wall, the citizens stayed behind, police said. Dudley pulled a gun out of his bag and pointed it at the officer, police said.

The officer wrestled the man to the ground and tried to get the gun. As the two continued wrestling, the officer fired a round, hitting Dudley in the chest, police said.

Paramedics took him to University Medical Center, where he was listed in fair condition this morning, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Dudley has been charged with resisting arrest, battery on an officer and robbery with a deadly weapon.

The name of the officer, who has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation, will not be released for 48 hours, per department policy.