Friday night at 10:45 p.m. a Fort Pierce police officer was responding to a burglary in progress call.
Public Information Officer Ed Cunningham said in a statement that the officer saw a suspect with what appeared to be a firearm, "In fear for his life and safety, the officer fired once, striking the suspect in the abdomen."
Police say the suspect was taken to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and went to surgery. The officer was not injured.
The incident happened at 1403 Avenue M.
WPTV has learned that Sean Patriani was the officer who fired his weapon.
He has returned to full duty.
The suspect has still not been identified.