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Off-duty police officer injured while confronting alleged thief

Story Created: Mar 2, 2013 at 6:41 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 2, 2013 at 6:42 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Charges were filed against a man who injured a police officer, according to authorities.

Utica Police say off-duty officer Jacob Penree saw a man stealing from inside a car. The officer called 911 and identified himself as law enforcement, UPD said.

The suspect, 28-year-old Nicholas Smith, allegedly fought with the officer in an attempt to avoid arrest and escape.

With the help of responding officers, Smith was taken into police custody.

Officer Penree sustained injuries to his shoulder and hand, which required medical treatment, according to officials.

Smith is accused of stealing an iPad Nano from a car parked in a driveway. Police say Smith admitted that he goes out every night breaking into cars to steal, and has been doing so for a while.

More charges could be pending against Smith at a later date.

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