An off-duty New York City police officer was shot when he intercepted a robbery in the Bronx, a law enforcement official says.

The officer was shot in the chest while interrupting a robbery at 85 Burnside Ave. in the University Heights section, the official said. The wounded cop pursued the armed robbers, who fled in a car and crashed it.

As they got out of the car, they exchanged gunfire with the officer in pursuit. One of the suspects was fatally struck, according to the official. Another two escaped and are still being sought by police.

The officer has been taken to Bronx Lebanon Hospital. He is expected to survive.

(Source: NBC New York)