A U.S. Park Police officer shot and wounded a man early Wednesday after seeing him apparently sleeping in a running vehicle with a gun on his lap in Northwest Washington, according to a statement from the department.

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       The incident occurred about 1:30 a.m. in the 200 block of Missouri Avenue NW, a few blocks from New Hampshire Avenue near the Brightwood Park neighborhood. Police said the man, who was not identified, suffered injuries not believed to be life threatening.

       The statement from Sgt. Roselyn Norment, a Park Police spokeswoman, said the officer made contact with the man, who was in the driver’s seat. The statement says the officer shot the man “during this interaction.” Authorities did not describe the interaction or say what prompted the officer to fire.

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       Police said that after being shot, the motorist drove away and was pursued into Montgomery County, where they said his vehicle struck two other vehicles at Georgia Avenue and Colesville Road in Silver Spring.

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       The statement from Park Police says the man was taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities did not say whether charges were being filed against him in the case. Police said they found a loaded 9mm pistol in the vehicle.

       Park Police requested that D.C. police lead the investigation into the shooting by the officer, the results of which will be sent to the U.S. attorney’s office to review.

       Following that investigation, Park Police said, it will conduct an administrative review to determine whether the officer followed proper policies. The officer, whom Park Police did not identify, has been placed on routine administrative leave.