Kristen Reed

WXIA-TV

A man who called 911 to report a car break-in Friday ambushed a Georgia police officer sent to the scene, starting a shootout in which both the officer and suspect were wounded, authorities said. Both are expected to survive.

The call came in just before 8:00 to the Three Oaks Apartments in Valdosta about damage to property.

In an afternoon press conference, Valdosta Police Chief Brian Childress identified the officer as Randal Hancock. He was reportedly shot several times.

"Upon arrival, VPD officer encountered a male in the parking lot. Gun shots were exchanged," according to a statement from police.

WALB-TV reports the officer was under fire immediately after arriving on the scene. The officer also shot the suspect, who has not been identified. Both were taken to the hospital.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is taking over the investigation.

Contributing: Associated Press