A New Haven police officer was shot twice early this morning after exchanging gunfire with a suspect who later ran away, police say.

The police-involved shooting happened in the area of 157 Chapel St. around 1:30 a.m.

Chief Karl Jacobson says officer Chad Curry was responding to a motor vehicle accident when one of the vehicles tried to leave the scene.

Jacobson says officers who responded tried to stop the cars from leaving and an exchange of gunfire broke out between police and the drivers of the cars.

The suspect has been identified as Jose Claudio, 36, of New Haven.

Curry was shot in the ear and shoulder. He was taken to the hospital and later released. He is now recovering at home.

The area of Chapel Street and Blatchley Avenue remained closed for evidence processing.