IRONTON — The investigation into the shooting of a man wanted on drug charges continues.

Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless said the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification is leading the inquiry into what happened Wednesday night when Johnny Stapleton, 28, of Ashland, Ky., was shot during a traffic stop in the vicinity of North Eighth and Lawrence streets.

Stapleton remains hospitalized at Cabell Huntington Hospital. No information is available about his condition. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Meanwhile, the officer who shot Stapleton, Detective Aaron Bollinger, has been placed on paid administrative leave, a standard practice in these incidents, Lawless said. Bollinger is both a Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputy and a member of the Lawrence County Drug and Major Crimes Task Force.

According to Lawless, Stapleton had been indicted secretly on drug charges earlier this month by a Lawrence County grand jury.

He had been observed by law enforcement earlier in the evening Wednesday but officers lost sight of him.

Knowing what other areas Stapleton was reported to frequent, officers went to those areas.

Two officers saw Stapleton on the driver’s side of the vehicle with a female passenger in the front seat.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Bollinger’s firearm was discharged, according to a statement from Lawless.

The bullet went through the window and entered Stapleton’s forearm and left cheek. The woman with him was not injured.

The incident happened at approximately 9 p.m. Wednesday.