Officer, suspect injured in Highland Grove Shopping Center shooting, sheriff's office says

HIGHLAND, Ind. (WLS) -- A Highland police officer and a suspect were injured in an altercation and police shooting outside the Kohl's at Highland Grove Shopping Center Friday.

The sheriff's office said security staff at the Kohl's recognized someone in the store who allegedly had a history of shoplifting from there. They called 911 and two Highland police officers confronted the suspect before shots were fired.

"I heard bangs, which was the first time in my life I ever heard gunshots," said witness Amada Martin. "It was like two to three, but it was mixed with the car crashing into those parked cars, which was extremely loud because it totaled both of those cars."

Witnesses said the suspect tried to make an escape in their car, crashing into multiple vehicles and hurting an officer in the process before the other officer shot the suspect in the hand.

A silver SUV could be seen with its doors open, wedged between other vehicles. There were also several bullet holes in the SUV's front window on the passenger side.

"I've grown up here my whole life, and I just feel like crime is coming so much closer to home that it's not comfortable anymore," Martin said. "Anything could've happened. Stray bullets are a thing. All of my friends all have kids, and that's scary that you could just be leaving a store in the middle of the day and things are happening right there in front of you."

The injured officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The suspect was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment.

Shoppers sheltered in place inside nearby stores due to the gunfire.

"Mainly because I was with my daughter - get her safe, get her in the back. I started asking management even, 'Did you guys lock the doors?'" said shopper Yola Casillas.

The investigation is ongoing and no further information has been released. The injured officer is expected to be OK. Charges are pending against the suspect.