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Correction Officer Arrested for Shooting His Teenage Son in Woodside: Cops

By Jeanmarie Evelly | August 26, 2013 10:40am | Updated on August 26, 2013 5:33pm
 Police say Robert Smalls is facing charges of assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Police say Robert Smalls is facing charges of assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
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DNAinfo

WOODSIDE — A city correction officer was arrested in Queens early Sunday for shooting his teenage son, according to police.

Cops say the incident took place around 4:30 a.m. on 57th Street in Woodside, when Robert Smalls allegedly shot his 17-year-old son in the abdomen after an argument.

Police would not confirm what the argument was about, but the Daily News said that the suspect fought with his son about a shoplifting arrest.

The teen told cops he'd tried to punch his father twice during the altercation, which is when the elder Smalls allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired a single shot, according to a criminal complaint.

The teenager was taken to Elmhurst Hospital in stable condition, police said.

According to the News, Smalls told officials he'd fired the gun after mistaking his son for a home intruder. His attorney did not immediately respond to DNAinfo New York's requests for comment.

A police spokesman declined to say whether Smalls used his service weapon or a personal firearm in the shooting.

In a statement, the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association president Norman Seabrook said the union is "fully supportive" of the officer and "will do everything possible to ensure his legal rights are protected."

Smalls is facing charges of assault and criminal possession of a weapon, police said.