The State - News from Nov. 19, 1987

A San Francisco policeman, who accidentally shot his partner while searching a Fisherman’s Wharf law firm, panicked and broadcast a phony description of a suspect in the shooting, authorities said. Within minutes, investigators said, Officer William Scott told his superiors that he had panicked and fabricated the report. Police Chief Frank Jordan said he was reviewing the incident, which occurred while Scott and partner Mark Madsen were checking the offices in response to a silent alarm. The officers separated and Scott said he fired his gun in a “spontaneous reaction” when he saw a weapon “pointing somewhat” in his direction. A bulletproof vest prevented serious injury, and Madsen was released Tuesday from San Francisco General Hospital.