Police say a New Albany police officer and the suspect he was pursuing were both shot late Wednesday afternoon after the officer confronted the man as he was waving a gun in the 200 block of Union Street.
Neighbors are pointing fingers at police, saying they're too quick to shoot. WAVE 3's Maureen Kyle investigates.
One witness said he heard gunshots and "looked out my window and I seen a guy laying on the ground in handcuffs."
New Albany Police Chief Merle Harl told WAVE 3 News it was about 5:40 p.m. when Officer Daniel Price was "flagged down by an individual who said three was a man with a gun in the alley behind 122 Union Street. The officer went to the alley, confronted the man -- I do know the officer told the man to freeze, and there were shots exchanged."
Chief Harl said he doesn't know who shot first or how many shots were fired. He says Price was shot one time "in the lower forearm; the bullet went through the forearm and into his upper arm."
The suspect, 21-year old Terrance Mason, was shot one time in the lower back just before other officers converged on him.
"The suspect still had the gun with him," Harl said. "They told him to drop it; he pulled it out of his pants and threw it down on the ground."
According to Harl, Price also tried to subdue Mason with a stun gun. "I do know the taser was deployed, but I don't know what time."
People we spoke with the area said they're worried that the officer was too quick to shoot.
"Ain't no problems besides the police," said Bobby Mowry. "The police say they're here to serve and protect, but I ain't see them protecting anybody, all I seen is them shooting people."
But New Albany police disagree. "The only bad relationships we have with people in this area are the criminals.," Harl said.
Price, who has been on the force for a about a year-and-a-half was recovering from surgery at Jewish Hospital.
Mason was taken to Floyd Memorial Hospital in New Albany, then transferred to University Hospital. No word yet on his condition.
Harl said Mason could face charges ranging from felony battery to attempted murder.