Associated Press | October 4, 2010

WEST HOLLYWOOD -- Authorities say a deputy trainee mistook a liquor store manager's finger for a gun and fired eight rounds at him after the manager pointed toward the fleeing robbers.

Los Angeles sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker told the Los Angeles Times that all the shots missed early Sunday.

Parker says the manager called 911 from the West Hollywood liquor store then ran outside as deputies arrived and started pointing. The shooting is being investigated by internal affairs and detectives.

Parker says good guys and bad guys are not always obvious when police arrive at a crime scene. As is customary, the deputy won't immediately go back on patrol.