A Maize police officer shot and critically injured a shoplifter Monday afternoon, and another officer was injured by a bullet fragment.

Maize officers were called shortly after 1:15 p.m. to a report of a shoplifter at a Menards store at 37th Street North and Maize Road.  The suspect left the store but officers saw him walking south on Maize Road, and they confronted him at a nearby car wash.  The man said he had a gun, and when he made a sudden movement, an officer fired.

The 41-year-old shoplifting suspect was taken to a hospital in critical condition.  A second officer was struck in the hand by a fragment and that officer was in good condition.

Maize South schools were placed on a brief lockdown during the incident.

Wichita police are conducting the investigation.

[ photo: KWCH ]