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ATLANTIC CITY -- An Atlantic City police officer was shot and wounded and a suspect is dead in a shootout at a casino parking deck early Saturday morning, authorities said.

The incident occurred outside Caesars Atlantic City casino around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, authorities said.

The officer, reported to be in critical condition, was rushed to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in the city, according to authorities.

The officer and his partner came under fire when they got out of their patrol car, according to authorities.

A representative of the NJ Cop Shot program said the unnamed officer and his partner were in uniform in a marked car when they saw suspicious men near the casino parking deck. They came under "immediate" gunfire as soon as they got out of their car, the statement said. The officer was struck and his partner returned fire, the program statement said.

Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton said during a press conference that after the shooting, the suspects fled in different directions. One was found dead a block away, she said.

She said five suspects are still at large.

The injured officer was out of surgery and remains in critical condition, she said.

The NJ Cop Shot program, run by the New Jersey State Police PBA, is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Those with information can call the tip line at 652-1234 or 1-800-658-TIPS (8477) or text TIPCOP plus the tip to: 274637 (CRIMES).

"Our hearts are heavy at this hour, but our resolve to captured these suspects remains undeterred," New Jersey State PBA President Patrick Colligan said in the statement. "We ask for prayers for the officer, his family, and the Atlantic City Police Department."

This is the second shooting this week in the area of Caesar's. On Thursday, a man was shot and killed at The Walk shopping outlets in what police said was a domestic dispute. The suspect was hospitalized in critical condition with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said at the time.

We are currently investigating a shooting. We have 1 officer shot and wounded. 1 suspect shot and killed. This is an active invest. — Atlantic City Police (@AtlanticCityPD) September 3, 2016

MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.