RIVERDALE, Ga. -- Riverdale police spent Tuesday investigating a police-involved shooting that started with a bizarre business break-in.

Authorities said they believe three men used sledge hammers to plow through the back brick wall of a Foot Locker store on Highway 85.

The suspect's car was loaded with boxes of shoes but they didn't make the getaway they wanted. Shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday, Riverdale police responded to the burglary call. Two of the men ran and, police said, a third suspect rammed their getaway car into an officer's car.

SLIDESHOW: Police Shoot Riverdale Burglary Suspect

"The officer fell back in the vehicle and discharged his weapon seven times, striking the front windshield of the suspect vehicle and striking the occupant, the driver, five times," said Chief Samuel Patterson with the Riverdale Police Department.

Patterson said the bullets hit the driver in the neck and chest but the man survived. He said the suspect had no ID on him but they believe the man and the others could be connected to similar break-ins.

Officials said this isn't the first time they've seen burglars bust in through brick walls.

"It is hoped, that as we continue the investigation with the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation we will be able to not only identify the other suspects, but hopefully bring this time of crime wave to an end," said Patterson.

The suspect who was shot was taken to Atlanta Medical Center. He is listed in stable condition.