SEYMOUR — A Seymour policeman shot an 80-year-old man who pointed a rifle at officers responding to a report of shots fired early Tuesday at his home on the city’s west side, police report.

Alvin A. Otte, who was shot in the arm, did not sustain life-threatening injuries, according to a news release from Sgt. Stephen Wheeles with the Indiana State Police Post in Versailles. He was treated and taken to Schneck Medical Center in Seymour and was being held for a mental evaluation.

Officer Michael Payne, who shot Otte outside his home at 1571 Westgate Road, was placed on paid administrative leave, which is Seymour Police Department’s standard policy.

The incident that led to Otte being shot started when Seymour officers responded to his residence after dispatchers received reports of a man in a home acting erratically.

Police were told Otte had a gun and a knife and had possibly fired the gun inside the home, said Wheeles, who is the public information officer for the Indiana State Police.

Officers arriving at the scene also reported hearing additional shots coming from inside the residence where Otte was believed to be alone. Otte then exited the front door of the residence and allegedly raised a rifle toward officers.

Payne, a five-year veteran of the Seymour Police Department, fired at least one shot at Otte, striking him in the arm and causing him to put the weapon down.

Otte was then taken into custody, and officers immediately began administering first aid, Wheeles said. Jackson County Emergency Medical Services personnel also were called to the scene.

Shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday, Seymour police requested state police detectives conduct an investigation into the incident because it involved a city officer.

The investigation is ongoing, Wheeles said.

The case eventually will be turned over to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review, he said.

Jackson County officers also assisted with calls in Seymour during the incident.