Chicago police officers, suspects wounded in shootout in Washington Heights

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Two Chicago police officers were wounded after exchanging gunfire during a traffic stop in Washington Heights. They are expected to be OK.

The officers, who are members of the gang enforcement unit, pulled a vehicle over around 11:30 p.m. in the 9300-block of South Wallace Street. When they got out of their squad car, a man fired shots at them from the passenger seat of the vehicle, officials said.

"The offender, from within the vehicle, started firing shots at our officers. Our officers did return fire, ended up striking the male offender multiple times and the female offender in the left shoulder," Deputy Supt. Al Wysinger said.

Both officers were taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to officials. Their injuries are not life threatening. A38-year-old officer who was shot in the knee remains hospitalized. The 31-year-old police officer was released after being hit with a bullet in his police vest.

The alleged shooter is in critical condition at Christ Hospital. The driver of the vehicle was treated for a graze wound and released into police custody.

Officials said a gun was found at the scene.

The Independent Police Review Authority is investigating.