ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) — State police are investigating after an Alexandria police officer shot a Fort Polk soldier in a convenience store parking lot.

Officials say the shooting happened about 3 a.m. Saturday in the parking lot of a Circle K on MacArthur Drive, a busy Alexandria thoroughfare.

An unnamed officer shot 22-year-old Mitchel Ryan Bethin of Fort Polk, saying Bethin aimed a handgun at another man involved in a fight and didn't obey the officer's commands to stop.

The officer fired, hitting Bethin at least once.

Bethin was wounded and taken to Rapides Regional Medical Center, where he is listed in guarded condition.

Alexandria police turned the investigation over to Louisiana State Police and placed the officer on paid leave.

Master Trooper Scott Moreau says charges are expected against Bethin.

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