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Hempstead Robber Shot Self While Fleeing, Cops Say

A Hempstead robbery suspect was arrested after Nassau County police said he accidentally shot himself in the leg while fleeing a stickup in which he allegedly pistol-whipped a driver.

Police said Brandon Swopes flashed a handgun at two men who were sitting in a Lexus on Wellesley Street, opened the car door and stole their cell phones and cash at 2:36 a.m. Saturday.

Third Squad detectives alleged the 23-year-old suspect struck one of the men in the face with the gun  several times before he ran away.

While running, he tried to put the handgun in his waistband but pulled the trigger and shot himself in the right leg, police said.

Hempstead village police officers responded and apprehended Swopes.

He was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries, same as the victim who was hit with the gun.

Police said they recovered the stolen items and a 9-millimeter handgun.

Swopes was charged with robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal use of a firearm.

He will be arraigned at a later date.