By Mark Wozniak
Buffalo, NY – Two Buffalo police officers are in Erie County Medical Center after being shot while responding to a fight call at a convenience store at Elmwood and Chippewa Tuesday night.
Officer Patricia Parete is in critical condition, after a bullet struck her in the jaw and lodged in her body. Her partner, Carl Andolina, was hit in the arm, but Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson says he was still able to subdue the suspect.
"Carl Andolina is a very big officer. He's approximately (6 ft. 5 in.)," Gipson said. "He did tackle the suspect and took him down to the ground after being shot."
Andolina is listed in serious condition with arm and shoulder wounds.
A weapon has been recovered, and the suspect is identified as 19 year old Varner Harris.
An investigation is continuing.