Police said a Johnstown man fired three shots after he found a burglar inside his Hornerstown home. One of those bullets almost hit a police officer.

Just before 2 a.m. Monday, police said Earl Carnahan called to report a burglary at his home on Horner Street. A Johnstown police officer was nearby and saw the burglar running out of the house. The officer said he chased the Willie Gates down a nearby alley.

Carnahan followed after Gates and police officer. Police said Carnahan fired a shot that almost hit the officer. Nobody was hit, but the Johnstown police chief said it the bullet was very close to hitting the officer.

"We're thankful our officer wasn't hurt. Obviously this was a very careless and reckless discharge of a firearm and we're just thankful our officer escaped without any injuries," said Johnstown Police Chief Craig Foust.

Police are still investigating, but believe Gates broke into the same house two days ago. Police found stolen items on Gates that Carnahan had reported missing over the weekend.