NEWARK, N.J. — Two would-be carjackers in Newark apparently picked the wrong victim early this morning.

Newark police and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office say the two allegedly approached a car and drew a gun on the driver, who happened to be an off-duty Newark police officer.

The officer pulled his weapon and fired at the two men, who fled and crashed their car into a parked car a short distance away. One of the suspects escaped and the second was taken to University Hospital with a gunshot wound.

The suspects and the officer have not been identified. The matter is under investigation.