An alleged car prowling ended in gunfire Wednesday morning in Federal Way.

Just before 9 a.m. Dec. 9, Federal Way police officers were dispatched to reports of an illegal discharge in the 2500 block of S. 317th Street.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a shooting had occurred, said FWPD Cmdr. Kurt Schwan. At this time, it is believed that a contractor working at an apartment complex in the area witnessed two subjects prowling his vehicle and stealing items from it.

The contractor, a 29-year-old man, confronted the subjects, and an altercation ensued. At some point, the contractor retrieved a rifle from his vehicle, Schwan said. The two subjects, a man (unknown age) and a 23-year-old female, attempted to flee the area in a vehicle.

The two subjects allegedly attempted to run the contractor over and did drive over his foot as they fled the scene, Schwan said. The contractor fired an unknown number of rounds at the vehicle as it was fleeing. A short while after the incident, the female subject arrived at St. Francis Hospital to be treated for an apparent gunshot wound to her lower back.

The contractor was detained and is cooperating with the investigation. The male subject and their vehicle have not been located, Schwan said.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Section have responded to assist with the active investigation.