The officer, who was working special duty near Franklin University, noticed a man acting suspiciously at about 9 p.m., 10TV's Patrick Bell reported.

The officer called for backup and when another officer arrived, the man fled on foot. The officers caught up with him in a narrow walkway between two buildings near Rich Street and Grant Avenue.

SLIDESHOW: Images From Scene

Police said the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed one of the officers in the face. The other officer then fired shots at the suspect, Bell reported.

"One of our officers, luckily, was close by and backed this officer up and shot the suspect," said Sgt. Jim Gilbert of the Fraternal Order of Police. "The violence in this city is getting out of hand and now my officers are getting stabbed in the face. Something has to be done with the violence that's occurring."

The injured officer, who was later identified as Officer Richard Gates, was transported to Grant Medical Center where he was treated and released, police said.

A press release issued by Columbus police said that Gates is a 22-year veteran of the department.

Investigators did not release the name of the suspect, who was also transported to Grant Medical Center in critical condition.

Investigators said charges were possible after further investigation.

The officers involved will receive mandatory psychological counseling.

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