Off-duty Chicago police officer shot in the arm in the Near West Side while sitting in the car

CHICAGO (WLS) — An off-duty Chicago police officer was shot on the Near West Side Wednesday night.

Police said the shooting occurred in the 2200 block of West Maypole at around 9.15pm, near the intersection with Leavitt.

PLEASE NOTE: Full police update on off duty officer shootings

According to police, the officer was driving in an alley when he came across a trash can blocking the highway. He got out of his car, moved the trash can out of the way, and when he got back to his car a group of up to five people confronted him.

At least some of the group were armed, and opened fire. The off-duty officer, now back in his car, returned fire and the group opened fire on him again.

After that second exchange of gunfire, the officer was able to leave, police said.

The officer was taken to Stroger Hospital in good health, the Chicago Fire Department said. Police said he suffered lacerations to his arm.

One weapon has been found. The police said that, based on the number of bullets at the location, the officer was lucky to only have a scratch wound. Police described the officer as shaken and very emotional after the incident.

As of 10 pm, CPD was still combing the Leavitt area between Walnut and Maypole.

No one is on hold at this time. Investigation is ongoing.