St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  Investigators say the off-duty St. Louis police officer who was shot Wednesday night was hit in friendly fire.

Police say the incident began when officers spotted three suspects in a stolen vehicle in downtown St. Louis. That’s when a police chase ensued. The pursuit went into north St. Louis. Shots were fired at police from the fleeing car, according to police.

The suspects’ vehicle crashed in the  5900 block of Astra after police used spike strips. The suspects then fled on foot.
Police say two officers fearing for their safety, fired shots at the suspects, striking one of the suspects in the ankle.

That’s when police say the off-duty officer came outside when heard the commotion from inside of his residence.
Two officers challenged the off-duty officer and ordered him to the ground, to which he complied. During this process, the officers recognized the off-duty officer and told him to stand up and walk toward them. Investigators say at this
time, a responding officer  just arriving in the area observed this and fearing for his safety and apparently not
recognizing the off-duty officer, discharged a shot, striking the off-duty officer in the arm.

The officer was treated and released from the hospital. Two of the suspects were taken into custody. The third suspect is still being sought.