A Louisiana State Police detective shot a burglar after allegedly waking up to the suspect breaking into an unmarked police unit early Sunday morning.

At about 4:30 a.m. in Ascension Parish, an LSP detective was alerted by a neighbor that his unmarked police unit was being burglarized. The detective armed himself and went outside to confront the burglar who had already broken into the vehicle and allegedly took several valuable items, according to an Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office news release.

A brief foot chase happened followed by a short physical struggle. APSO officials say the burglar stated he had a gun and was ready to use it. The suspect allegedly reached for the gun in his pants pocket, and when he did, the off-duty detective responded to the threat by firing a round, striking the burglar in the abdomen.

Deputies arrived on scene and found several valuable items in the suspects possession, recovering a handgun believed to be the burglar’s.

The burglar was transported to an area hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-621-INFO.