One man was shot early today in Larwill by a suspect allegedly trying to carjack his vehicle.

Whitley County authorities say it happened around 7:15 a.m. at Old Trail Road and SR 5 and they do have the suspect in custody. The victim suffered a small caliber gunshot wound to the chest and is hospitalized in serious condition, but he’s also being credited with the arrest of the suspect.

According to police information, the victim pulled to the intersection of Old Trail Road and SR 5 when the suspect tried to use force to get control of the vehicle. Despite being shot in the chest, the victim struggled with the suspect and gained control of the weapon, holding the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived.

It is believed the suspect is a 17-year-old who escaped from Pierceton Woods Saturday night and hid in the victim’s car while it was parked at Paragon Medical. The victim is identified as Johnny Couch and, following surgery, is recovering at home.