Bicyclist struck when cop shoots raccoon

[The Straight Story]

Bicyclist struck when cop shoots raccoon

MOUNT PLEASANT (NY) — A bicyclist riding near Rockefeller State Park Preserve was dinged in the leg when a town police officer shot a sick raccoon near the park's entrance Sunday.

"It appears to be a freakish accident," Mount Pleasant Police Chief Louis Alagno said of the incident, which occurred shortly before 11 a.m. on Route 117. "The officer took all proper precautions. Thankfully, the bike rider was not seriously hurt."

At the insistence of police, the 48-year-old Sleepy Hollow man was treated for a quarter-inch cut to his left shin at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center. He was not admitted.

Alagno said town police were called to the park at 10:38 a.m. by state park police, who requested they euthanize a raccoon that appeared to be sick or injured. The raccoon was located at the park's Route 117 entrance. The officer, whose name was not released, checked the area to make sure it was clear before shooting the animal with his duty weapon — a .40-caliber handgun. After moving the carcass to the side of the road the officer returned to his patrol duties.

http://www.lohud.com/article/20110726/NEWS02/107260334/Bicyclist-struck-when-cop-shoots-raccoon-Mount-Pleasant-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News

[dtexdem]

1. Where did that racoon get that bicycle, anyway?

[ChrisBorg]

2. An injured/sick/rabid racoon is nothing to mess with.

Fast, strong and opposing thumbs..they are a dogs worst nightmare.