ASCENSION - The Ascension Sheriff's Office said an off-duty Louisiana State Police detective shot a burglar after being alerted that the man was breaking into his police unit Saturday night.

According to Sheriff Jeff Wiley, the off-duty detective was awakened and alerted by a neighbor that his unmarked police unit was being broken into outside his residence in a North Ascension subdivision around 4:30 a.m.

The Ascension Sheriff 's office said the off-duty detective armed himself and went outside to confront the burglar who had broken into the vehicle and already had several valuable items.

Investigators said a brief foot chase started and it lead to a physical struggle between the two. Deputies said the burglar indicated that he had a gun and was prepared to use it. Investigators said the suspect then reached for a handgun in his pants pocket.
The off-duty detective responded to the threat by firing shots at the burglar in the abdomen. A neighbor witness contacted the sheriff's office.

Once deputies arrived on scene, they said the burglar had stolen items in his possession and deputies recovered a handgun that they believed to be owned by the burglar.

Deputies said the burglar was transported to a nearby hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.

This investigation is ongoing and more details will be available later.