RIVERDALE, Ga. -- Three men tried to break into a Foot Locker by using a sledge hammer early Friday morning, police said.

Police said the three men set off the alarm after they smashed through the back wall of the building.

Police were called to the location. When they arrived, one of the men in a vehicle attempted to ram an officer as he exited his patrol car.

The officer fired seven shots at the driver, hitting him four times.

"He took appropriate action to defend his life…he's going home safely," Riverdale Police Chief Samuel Patterson said of the officer.

The driver of the car was airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center. There’s no word yet on his condition.

The other two men fled on foot but have not been captured.

The officer was not injured.

Police charged the injured suspect with aggravated assault and burglary.

Names of the men and officer have not yet been released.