A Cherry Hills Village police officer shot an alleged thief Thursday evening after the suspect attacked the officer during a medical exam, according to a department post on X.

After arresting the suspect on suspicion of an auto theft earlier in the day, the officer was present while the suspect was undergoing a medical examination at HCA HealthONE Swedish Hospital in Englewood around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, according to statements from the Cherry Hills Village Police Department.

During that examination, the suspect “violently attacked” the officer, who had been with the suspect throughout the day, according to the department. During the altercation, the officer shot the suspect.

The department said the suspect was receiving medical care for the shooting at the hospital on Thursday, but declined to provide an update on the suspect’s condition when asked Friday.

“We recognize that this incident was troubling for hospital staff, patients, and visitors,” Cherry Hills Village Chief of Police Jason Lyons said in a statement. “Situations like this are why an officer remains with a suspect at all times while medical care is provided. Violence in a healthcare setting is unacceptable, and we are grateful that no additional injuries occurred.”

As per department policy, the officer has been placed on paid leave while the 18th Judicial District’s Critical Incident Response Team is investigating the incident, the department said, adding that it will conduct a separate internal investigation.