Chargers’ Foley Is Shot by Police Officer

Linebacker Steve Foley of the San Diego Chargers was shot near his upscale suburban house by an off-duty policeman early Sunday morning in his second brush with police in 4 1/2 months. Coach Marty Schottenheimer said the wounds were not life-threatening.

“All we’re worried about is that he’s OK,” Schottenheimer told the Associated Press in a telephone interview.

Foley’s agent, David Levine, said that Foley was shot three times and had surgery for wounds to his leg, arm and chest.

“He’s out of danger at this point,” Levine said.

The Chargers will open the season at Oakland on Sept. 11, the day Foley turns 31.

Sheriff’s officials said the early morning shooting occurred after the off-duty Coronado police officer followed a suspected drunken driver weaving in and out of freeway traffic at speeds up to 90 mph. Authorities said the driver nearly collided with several other vehicles.

Foley stopped three times, sheriff’s officials said. During one stop, Lisa Maree Gaut, a passenger in the vehicle, yelled at the officer, authorities said.

The shooting occurred after Foley got out of the vehicle near his home and began walking toward the officer, sheriff’s officials said. Gaut got behind the wheel and drove next to Foley in the direction of the officer, the officials said.

The officer identified himself, authorities said, and warned Foley he was armed. He fired a warning shot, at which point Gaut steered the car at the officer, sheriff’s officials said.

“The officer fired two rounds at the vehicle,” sheriff’s Lt. Dennis Brugos said. “The male then came at the officer and put his right hand by his waistband and the officer fired at him.”

Paramedics were called to the neighborhood in Poway, northeast of San Diego, at 3:47 a.m. and transferred a trauma victim to Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Sheriff’s officials wouldn’t say how many times Foley was shot or what, if any, charges would be filed against him.

Coronado police also declined to give any information about the off-duty officer. Coronado, a wealthy peninsular enclave, is across the bay from downtown San Diego. Sheriff’s officials said the off-duty officer first encountered Foley on a freeway in northern San Diego.

Gaut, 25, was booked into Las Colinas Detention Facility on suspicion of DUI and assault with a deadly weapon. Bail was set at $17,500. She was scheduled to appear in court Thursday.

Foley was arrested April 21 on charges of resisting arrest after police said he scuffled with officers. He also was booked on charges of battery on a police officer and public drunkenness.

The district attorney’s office said recently it was not pursuing charges against Foley in that incident.