A DeKalb County police officer was shot Tuesday evening and rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, DeKalb County police confirmed to Channel 2. The shooter remains at large.

The incident happened in the 2200 block of Bouldercrest Road in DeKalb County.

DeKalb police spokeswoman Mekka Parish told Channel 2 that the incident began with a routine traffic stop around 8:30 p.m. at Bouldercrest and Constitution roads, where an officer had detained two people. During the stop, Officer Deron Fulton checked the identifies of the driver and passenger and discovered the passenger had a warrant out.

Parish said the passenger got out and ran. Fulton ran after the man and became engaged in a gun battle with him, Parish said.

The officer was struck by a bullet in the back, possibly near the shoulder area, Parish said. DeKalb County Public Safety Director William Miller said the driver of the vehicle was detained.

WSB-TV Deron Fulton DeKalb County Police Officer Deron Fulton The officer's family arrived shortly after an ambulance brought him to the emergency room. Channel 2's Craig Lucie spoke with the wounded officer's parents.

"The bullet entered inside his bullet-proof vest. Came out of his back," said Fulton's father, Kim.

"We just thank God he is OK. He is up talking. He is in a lot of pain, but he is OK," said Fulton's mother, Katrina.

Investigators urged people living in the area where the passenger fled to stay inside with their doors locked as they hunted for the individual. Officers set up a perimeter around the neighborhood, letting no one in. K-9 units and helicopters helped search for the gunman, who police say they are close to identifying.

“Keep your doors closed keep your windows closed. If you see or hear anything suspicious if anyone comes to your door please stop and call 911 immediately," Miller said.

Meanwhile the officer's mother had a stern message for the shooter.

“You will get yours. Whether it is today or tomorrow, you get yours,” said Katrina Fulton.