Man accused of opening fire on NYC cops in court

NEW YORK -- A man accused of firing a bullet that barely missed a New York City police officer's gut and instead was deflected by a gun belt faces a charge of attempted murder.

Luis Martinez was held in custody after he appeared before a judge Sunday on charges he shot at police officers Feb. 27 in Lower Manhattan.

Defense attorney Stephen Scott said he had no comment.

The 25-year-old man is accused of opening fire on two police officers after leading them on a chase. One round was deflected by police Officer Thomas Richards' spare ammunition magazine on his gun belt.

Authorities say Richards and another officer, Thomas Dunne, returned fire.

Martinez was struck in the leg.

The officer was treated and released from a hospital. Martinez was sent to Bellevue Hospital.

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