A routine traffic stop in New Windsor lands one man in the hospital and takes an officer off the streets. Our Beth Croughan has more from Middletown.

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ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. – NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. -- Just after 8:30 a.m. Saturday, a Town of New Windsor Police officer pulled over a car heading north on Route 32 towards Newburgh.

Police said there were three people in the car, including a child. According to police, the child is at home and the driver is cooperating with the investigation after the officer fired his gun in a struggle with the passenger.

New Windsor Police Detectives have identified the passenger as Jardell Ward, 24, of New York City. Police said Ward is recovering after being shot by the officer Saturday.

Apparently, the Orange County District Attorney said, he gave the officer a fake name during a routine traffic stop.

"That's a normal follow-up is to you know (question), what are you trying to hide? Maybe we should take you out of the car," explained Orange County District Attorney Frank Phillips.

That's when, authorities said, the six year veteran of the force found he had gun. And then they said there was a struggle.

"And the officer fired two shots from his service weapon, one of which struck the occupant of the car," said Phillips.

The victim was airlifted to Westchester Medical and the officer is home after being checked out at the hospital.

"He will be off the street until this is fully investigated and we have verification that he is sound for duty," said New Windsor Police Chief Michael Biasotti.

Chief Biasotti said he didn't recall there ever being an officer-involved shooting in New Windsor.

The District Attorney said the gun found on the shooting victim was fully loaded and is stolen. He said the investigation is still very active asks any witnesses to call police.