Gunman sought after police officer shot in southern Illinois

A manhunt was underway for the armed suspect who shot a police officer in southern Illinois on Friday.

The shooting was reported at approximately 2:19 p.m. in Granite City, which is situated across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Granite City Police Chief Gary Brooks said officers responded to a call of an unwanted subject and immediately encountered a man who began firing shots.

One officer was struck several times and rushed to a St. Louis hospital for treatment, KSDK, the NBC affiliate in St. Louis reported. The officer was awake and speaking – and he was expected to make a full recovery, Brooks stated at a news conference.

Police released images of the suspected shooter, who they said should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who spots him was asked to call 911 immediately.