An 8-year-old girl who was watching television in her home, was hit by a stray bullet during a police involved shooting last night in Asbury Park. The girl was caught in the crossfire as a 20-year-old man exchanged gunfire with an Asbury Park police officer on Springwood Avenue, authorities said.

The incident began around 7:19 p.m., LeMieux told the Asbury Park Press, after Asbury Park Patrolman Terrance McGhee approached a man at the corner of Atkins and Springwood avenues.

“During an investigatory stop, the officer feels a handgun on a 20-year-old male out of Asbury Park,” LeMieux said. “That 20-year-old male then flees west on Springwood. The officer follows after him; the 20-year-old male shoots toward the officer and the officer returns fire. The 20-year-old male is struck by a bullet.”

LeMieux said the injuries to the man, whose name has not been released, are non life-threatening, but currently remains hospitalized. A Smith and Wesson semi-automatic 9 mm handgun was found at the scene, LeMieux said, adding that the officer fired his service weapon. The officer was not shot, although he was being examined at a local hospital, LeMieux said.

The 20-year-old has been charged with multiple offenses including attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

Last night police were seen combing a field on Springwood Avenue for evidence.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Michael Bonanno of the Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 800 533-7443.