Police Officer Ambushed, Shot In Face In St. Louis

ST. LOUIS (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A police officer was ambushed and shot in the face in St. Louis Sunday, and a major search was under way for the gunman.

The incident happened around 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Hampton and Pernod avenues in South City, St. Louis as the officer drove down the road, CBS affiliate KMOV-TV reported.

Police said suspect pulled up next to the officer and fired two shots into the squad car, shattering the window, KMOV reported.

The officer was alone at the time of the shooting and was hospitalized after calling for assistance, KMOV reported.

Police Chief Sam Dotson said the 46-year-old officer has been with the force for about 20 years and is a married father of three. Dotson said he was shot twice in the face but is able to talk.

The officer was not involved in a traffic stop, but was just stopped at a traffic light, KMOV reported.

The suspect got away. Police are using helicopters, SWAT teams and other resources in the search for the suspect.

Earlier Sunday, a police officer was shot and killed during a traffic stop in San Antonio, Texas.

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