A Tempe police officer shot a shoplifting suspect Tuesday night near the Walmart at Priest Drive and Elliot Road, authorities said.

The suspect was taken to a hospital and was in critical condition, Tempe Sgt. Hector Encinas said.

Police were notified about 7:30 p.m. May 9 about a shoplifter who had allegedly taken a sound bar from the store. A search for the suspect began, and an officer found him walking along a canal near the store.

Encinas said the man was shot by the officer. He also said that a sharp object was found near the suspect’s body but did not elaborate further on the incident, and investigators were still searching the area late Tuesday.

No officers or shoppers were injured, police said.

The officer involved in the shooting is a department veteran of about 20 years and was wearing a body camera, Encinas said.