Accused coward cops fired

CHICAGO, June 22 (UPI) -- Two probationary female Chicago police officers have been fired for fleeing as a fellow officer struggled for his life with an armed man, police say.

A third rookie, a male officer whose probationary period ended earlier, also ran and faces a departmental investigation and possible termination, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

The incident, captured on videotape, occurred when the officers answered a shoplifting call on June 3. Police say one officer fought with a suspect, identified as James King, who was shot dead when he drew a pistol.

The two officers who were dismissed had completed 10 of their 18-month probationary period.