At approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday morning, an off-duty Louisiana State Police 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, according to Sheriff Jeff Wiley.

The neighbor witness then contacted the sheriff’s office.

The off-duty detective armed himself and went outside to confront the burglar who in fact, had broken into the vehicle and had several valuable items in his possession.

A brief foot chase ensued and a physical struggle between the two, and the burglar indicated that he had a gun and was prepared to use it. He then reached for a handgun in his pants pocket, added Sheriff Wiley.

The off-duty detective responded to the threat and fired a round striking the burglar in the abdomen.

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

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. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-621-INFO (4636) or by texting 847411 to our anonymous tip line from any cellular device or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-STOP (7867). To be eligible for a cash reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers immediately.