A police officer-involved shooting happened early Saturday morning in Carbondale.

Carbondale Police say around 2:15 a.m., an officer on routine patrol performing business checks through the downtown area was approaching Curbside at 227 W. Main St. when the officer heard what was believed to be gunshots.

Upon arrival, the officer witnessed a black man firing a gun in the direction of a large crowd of people. In response to the active shooter and to protect the public from possible injury, the officer engaged the suspect, firing and wounding him.

While awaiting an ambulance, police performed life-saving medical procedures on the suspect. He was flown to a St. Louis area hospital to receive emergency medical treatment. The identity of the shooting suspect is not being released at this time.

Police say since this is an officer-involved incident and in accordance with Department policies, Illinois State Police was contacted and is leading this investigation. Carbondale Police will release more information as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Carbondale Police or Illinois State Police.