A black off-duty police officer was shot by a fellow cop Wednesday night after attempting to assist in a stolen car crash incident in St. Louis, Missouri. The 38-year-old injured officer was shot in the arm by another white 36-year-old officer on the scene, Fox 2 Now reported.

The officer, who lives near the site of the incident, first approached the North Pointe-area scene and was told to get on the ground. After complying with the on-duty cops' orders, the off-duty officer was recognized and informed he could stand up. Once standing, the off-duty officer was shot.

"In the police report, you have so far, there is no description of threat he received," attorney Rufus J. Tate Jr., who's representing the injured officer, said. "So we have a real problem with that. But this has been a national discussion for the past two years. There is this perception that a black man is automatically feared." The off-duty cop, Tate added, identified himself upon arrival and complied with all commands. The white officer who shot him has argued that he "feared for his safety."

Responding officers first started tailing the stolen vehicle around 10 p.m. Wednesday night, KSDK News reported. After a spike strip was tossed into the vehicle's path, the suspects reportedly opened fired on the officers. The car later came to a stop, at which point cops exchanged fire with the suspects, who are now facing charges including felony fleeing, tampering, and armed criminal action. The noise from the incident prompted the off-duty cop, an 11-year police veteran, to walk to the scene and offer his assistance.

In an updated statement on the incident Thursday, St. Louis police confirmed the injured officer has since been released from the hospital. The department has placed seven officers on administrative leave. An investigation by the Force Investigative Unit is in progress.