CHP officer shot on freeway in San Diego

San Diego officer shot on side of 8 Freeway

The officer was taken to a hospital in serious, but stable condition.

SAN DIEGO - A California Highway Patrol officer is recovering at a hospital after being shot on a major freeway in San Diego Wednesday night, officials said.

The shooting happened around 6:15 p.m. near the interchange of the 8 and 805 freeways in San Diego's Mission Valley area. Officials said the officer and the suspect became involved in a struggle when the suspect pulled out a gun and shot him. Social media posts showed bystanders holding down the suspect and tending to the officer.

The investigation prompted freeway closures in both directions, according to CalTrans.

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During a press conference, CHP Captain Michael Harris the eight-year veteran officer was investigating a crash when the shooting occurred. The name of the officer was not released.

CHP said the officer suffered a gunshot wound to his right thigh and was in serious, but stable condition at Scripps Mercy Hospital.

San Diego police have reported that the shooter is in custody.

No further information was released.