A police officer and a suspect were shot in Middletown Saturday night during what is believed to be a domestic violence situation, officials say.

The incident happened on Myrtle Avenue at around 8 p.m.

Middletown police say the officer was on a routine patrol when he pulled over to help a woman who had flagged him down.

Police say a man walked out of a home nearby and shot the officer in the left arm with a handgun. The officer returned fire and hit the man.

Officials believe the incident was a domestic violence situation.

Additional officers were then called to the scene.

Both the officer and suspect received medical treatment at Garnet Regional Medical Center, but the suspect was later moved to Westchester Medical Center for more advanced care.

Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano commended the officer for saving the lives of others. He says this shooting demonstrates that the term, "defund police," is not a workable concept for the area.

He adds, "Imagine how this would have ended if a social worker was dispatched rather than have a police officer handle this incident."

The Orange County District Attorney's Office and state police will now investigate the shooting, along with help from Middletown police.

District Attorney David Hoovler says, "Now more than ever it is essential that those who illegally use weapons are held accountable and it is equally important that the public has confidence in the integrity of the investigation."