Washington Square Park Shooting Victim Fired Weapon Himself, Police Say

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY — A homeless man found shot in Washington Square Park Friday is believed to have caused the injury to himself, authorities said.

Jermaine Hatchett was arrested hours after officers found him with a gunshot wound to the leg, an NYPD spokesman told Patch. According to police, Hatchett told responding officers that someone else had shot him, but police now think he shot himself in the leg before abandoning the gun near the park, the spokesman said.

Police arrested Hatchet at about 7 p.m. on Friday evening after they found a gun inside a plastic bag, according to authorities.

An NYPD spokesman said it was unknown whether Hatchett accidentally or intentionally tried to injure himself.

"Only he knows that," the spokesman said.

Hatchett was treated for his injuries after the shooting.

He was arraigned on multiple felony counts of criminal possession of a weapon, according to his criminal complaint. A judge set his bail at $50,000. Jail records show he is being held on Rikers Island.

Hatchett's attorney declined to comment on the case when contacted by Patch.

Lead image via Patch.