A man sustained a hand injury Thursday morning in St. Joseph while allegedly preventing two thieves from stealing his Jeep.

According to the St. Joseph Police Department, officers responded to the 1200 block of Grand Ave. shortly before 5 a.m. after a man said two people tried to steal his vehicle.

Capt. Jeff Wilson said the caller advised be confronted the suspects and one suspect shot him in the hand with an air gun causing the pellet to lodge under the skin on top of his hand.  Both of the would-be thieves allegedly then fled the area in the truck they arrived in.

The suspect’s truck was described as a 1997 or 98 black extended cab truck.  The suspect trying to steel the jeep was said to be wearing a mask.

Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 238-TIPS.