LITHONIA, Ga. — Investigators in Lithonia worked to figure out why the passenger of a car shot at a police officer. The officer returned fire, hitting the passenger.

The shootout happened during a traffic stop at Park Drive and College Avenue in Lithonia late Monday night, police said.

Officials said the shooting happened when a Lithonia police officer pulled over a silver Chevrolet with a temporary tag.

A police spokesperson said as the officer walked toward the car, the passenger jumped out with a gun.

“He actually turned around and shot at the officer. The officer returned fire, hitting the subject,” said Sgt. Mike Williams of the Lithonia Police Department.

The officer was not hurt.

Medics rushed the passenger to the hospital. He was listed in stable condition at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Authorities said they continue to question the driver, but no charges have been filed against him.

The passenger faces aggravated assault charges on a police officer.