Despite repeated orders from Selma Police officers to drop his weapon, a burglary suspect engaged them in a gunfight and is now in serious condition.

Selma Chief of Police William T. Riley said officers received a call of a burglary at about 8:45 a.m. in the 1300 block of Helen Street. When officers responded, the suspect was stealing what appeared to be a television. A black male ran out of the residence armed with a handgun and officers began pursuit.

“We were in full pursuit and he was continually running,” Riley said. “Officers lost sight of him in one of the neighborhoods. We are very grateful for citizens because we began to get phone calls indicating where the individual was located.”

Officers continued pursuit through wooded areas over the bypass and into another heavily wooded area where officers set up a perimeter near Race Street.

Once the suspect was located, officers continued to give him orders to drop his weapon. The suspect stopped in an open field where officers again commanded him to drop his weapon or the K-9 would be released.

Again, Riley said, the suspect ignored orders and raised his weapon, at which time, the dog was released. The suspect fired in the direction of the canine and the canine handler and officers returned fire.

During the exchange, the suspect was struck in the thigh and transported to Vaughan Regional Medical Center when paramedics responded. He was later transported to a Montgomery hospital where he was listed in serious condition, according to preliminary reports.

Riley said the name of the suspect has not been released so the family can first be notified.

The incident, Riley said, will be investigated by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation because the suspect was struck by gunshots.

“Because officers discharged their weapons they will be conducting the administrative investigative side of it in regards to the shooting,” he said.