NORTON, Va. — The city of Norton is praying for the recovery of its police chief, after he was shot while responding to a call Friday.

Chief James Lane was responding to a shoplifting call just after 4 p.m., Friday, when he encountered a person in the parking lot who began shooting into his vehicle.

Another Norton police officer responding to the scene returned fire, injuring the suspect, who has been identified as James Dyer Buckland, 35, of Pound.

Buckland has now been charged with attempted murder.

Chief Lane was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center, where city officials said he underwent surgery and is said to be in stable condition.