A convicted felon accidentally shot himself in the leg Christmas Eve, police said.
New Haven officers arrived at 166 Thompson Street shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday to a report of a person shot during a robbery attempt. They found Darrel Johnson, 51 suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.
After speaking to the victim, Johnson changed his story and told police he had actually shot himself. It turns out Johnson had forgotten he transferred his pistol from his pants pocket to his waistband, and during a trip to the bathroom, the gun fell, hitting the toilet and discharging, police said. The bullet struck him in the leg.
Police said Johnson told them he had recently acquired the gun for personal protection. As a convicted felon, Johnson will face several charges for possession a firearm, pending the outcome of a police investigation, authorities said.
