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Radio calls played during trial against man accused of shooting officer

PITTSBURGH — The trial against a man accused of shooting an officer continued Wednesday.

Dramatic radio calls were played in court in the case against the accused gunman, James Hill.

Prosecutors said the 25-year-old shot Pittsburgh police Officer Morgan Jenkins in a wooded area between Apple and Chaucer streets in Homewood on April 11, 2012.

Jenkins was shot twice in the gunfight. One bullet grazed his left arm. Another damaged his spine. He is paralyzed from the waist down.

Jurors heard Wednesday that when backup officers arrived, police radio was crackling with pleas for help for their fallen brother.

"Forget the actor.  Officer down needs medic," was heard in the radio calls.  "Code 3 medics.  Red ball. Red ball."

When officers learned one of theirs was down, squad cars from all over the city drove to the scene.  One officer scouting the scene averted a second officer from being shot, police said.

"The actor is still shooting," someone said in the radio call.

Jenkins chose not to speak as he left the courtroom in a wheelchair Wednesday.

Hill is charged with attempted homicide, assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault and gun and traffic violations.

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WPXI

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