Man shot by police officer identified

By Tom Blakey

August 02, 2008 06:44 pm

— Norman police Thursday identified Sang Van Nguyen, 37, as the man shot in the chest last weekend by a police officer, while trying to flee in a stolen car.
Police believe Nguyen is a resident of the Dallas metropolitan area. He is listed in fair condition at Norman Regional Hospital, hospital spokesman Brenda Finkle said Thursday.
Norman Police Officer John Terry approached Nguyen just before noon Saturday in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 201 S. Creekdale Drive, near West Main Street and 36th Avenue Southwest.
Nguyen was reported as naked and sleeping in a car stolen from a town near Duncan. As Terry approached, the two fought and Nguyen tried to flee in the car, dragging the officer. Terry was able to draw his .40 service weapon and shoot Nguyen once in the chest, police said.
Both the suspect and the officer were transported to Norman Regional Hospital, where the officer was treated for injuries to his arms and released.
Terry is on routine administrative leave with pay pending the conclusion of the investigation, police said.
Tom Blakey 366-3540 tblakey@normantranscript.com