By Jenn Bernstein

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey is supporting officer’s actions Thursday night that landed a 40-year-old man in the hospital.

Patrol officers had to make a split-second decision around 11 p.m. in Nicetown, when a suspect pointed a loaded, semi-automatic handgun at them.

“The officers fired several shots, striking the suspect in the upper torso and legs,” said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

Leading up to the shooting, officers spotted a car near Erie Avenue and Carlisle Street that had its back window blown out by gunfire. Police say they tried to stop the car near Germantown Avenue and Pike Street, but a passenger jumped out of the car with the gun, as it sped away.

Officers took the suspect to Temple University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

They also found the car, abandoned in the 3800 block of North 15th Street. It’s being processed and police said they are taking fingerprints.

“It’s very dangerous out there on the streets for the officers they encounter some very bad people that don’t hesitate to shoot,” said Commissioner Ramsey. “They did a very, very good job last night and I’m also very, very glad, most of all, they didn’t get injured.”

The officers were taken to Internal Affairs afterwards, which is the unit that investigates any kind of police firearm discharges.

Police are still looking for the driver.