A man who allegedly confronted an Escondido Police Department officer while brandishing a pellet gun, prompting the lawman to open fire on him, was in a hospital Thursday receiving treatment for apparently non- life-threatening bullet wounds.

The events that led to the law enforcement gunfire began early Wednesday evening, according to the San Diego Police Department, which investigates shootings carried out by EPD personnel under terms of a countywide agreement designed to prevent conflicts of interest.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., patrol officers investigating a report of a person displaying a handgun at Escondido Transit Center on West Valley Parkway spoke with witnesses who pointed out Antonio Rosales, 34, as the alleged armed man, SDPD Lt. Jud Campbell said.

As the personnel approached him, Rosales allegedly ran east across Quince Street and onto a bicycle path, prompting a brief foot chase.

After fleeing for about 100 feet along the bike lane, the suspected allegedly stopped and turned around, holding what appeared to be a firearm, Campbell said. The closest officer to him responded by shooting Rosales, sending him collapsing to the ground, according to police.

Paramedics took the suspect to a trauma center for treatment of at least two gunshot wounds. He was expected to survive, the lieutenant said.

The gun that the suspect allegedly had been wielding turned out to be a BB pistol, according to police.

The officer who fired on Rosales has been employed by the Escondido Police Department for about three years, according to an SDPD statement. His name has not been released.