UPDATE: Shoplifting Suspects Run Over Off-Duty Police Officer at Walmart; Arrest Made

UPDATE July 3, 7:50 a.m. Three people are facing charges following a hit-and-run accident that left an officer injured early Wednesday morning. A department spokesman says 19-year-old Alexis Cimone Pitre was at the wheel of a vehicle that intentionally struck the officer as he conducted a theft investigation at the Wal-Mart on Ambassador Caffery Parkway. She's charged with attempted first-degree murder and felony hit-and-run. Two Opelousas women are accused of theft and were released on misdemeanor summons.

UPDATE 3:54 p.m. 19-year-old Alexis Pitre of Lafayette is under arrest with the crime and is being charged with attempted 1st degree murder and felony hit-and-run.

ORIGINAL 5:53 a.m. Lafayette Police are investigating a shooting that took place early this morning in the parking lot of Walmart on Ambassador Caffery in Lafayette.

Police say an off-duty officer was working security at the store when he apprehended two shoplifting suspects. During his investigation, the officer discovered that there were others involved in the shoplifting incident.

Police say the officer then approached the suspects' car in the parking lot. When he did, the driver allegedly backed up and ran over the officer. When he got up, the driver allegedly ran over the officer again, this time dragging him 100 feet.

According to investigators, the officer fired two shots at the vehicle after freeing himself. The vehicle sped away.

The officer was transported to a local hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

Police are looking for a dark-colored mid-sized vehicle. The driver is described as female, while police say there were at least two passengers in the vehicle.

If you know anything about this incident, you're urged to call Crime Stoppers at (337) 232-TIPS.

[KATC]