Rikers Guards Beat Me: Suspect in NYPD Friendly Fire

The New York City Department of Correction is looking into allegations that the man charged with breaking into a city police officer's car was beaten by guards at Rikers Island.
    
The officer, Omar Edwards, was inadvertently killed by a fellow police officer shortly after the burglary.
    
The burglary suspect, Miguel Goitia, has been indicted on a charge of felony criminal mischief, auto stripping and attempted petty larceny. He is due in court June 30.
    
On Friday, Goitia claimed he had been beaten by Rikers guards. Correction spokesman Steven Morello says there is no such report. If it did happen, Morello said he wishes Goitia would have told authorities. Inmates should always bring concerns to the attention of the jail management, he said.
    
Police say Goitia broke into Edwards' car. Edwards chased after him with his gun drawn and was killed by another officer who mistook him for an armed criminal.
    
Gov. David Paterson said Friday that he will convene a committee or task force to examine police friendly fire incidents statewide. His comment followed a meeting with community leaders where the topic was the May 28 shooting.
    
"Frankly, I go to bed praying this incident is a total accident,'' Paterson said.