COLUMBIA, Ill. – An Uber passenger shot his driver overnight after the driver diverted to the Columbia, Illinois, police station while being held at gunpoint, police say.

The driver, a 52-year-old man, suffered critical injuries, but he is expected to survive, according to the Columbia Police Department. Four suspects have since been arrested in connection with the case.

The events under investigation occurred around 2:30 a.m. Saturday during a ride from north St. Louis and Columbia, Illinois.

Authorities say the Uber driver went to pick up two passengers, a 20-year-old man and 17-year-old boy, at an undisclosed location in north St. Louis. Shortly after getting into the vehicle, one passenger pulled a gun and ordered the driver to drive to his home in Columbia, Illinois.

The driver initially complied with the order, but upon entering Columbia, he diverted to the local police station parking lot to seek assistance.

Moments later, one suspect fired a shot and struck the driver in the face. Both passengers then ran out of the vehicle toward Bolm-Schuhkraft City Park.

A short time later, a Columbia dispatcher, CEMS crews and several officers provided on-scene medical aid for the driver, then rushed him to a hospital.

Shortly after that, Columbia police launched a search operation for the suspects using drones and K-9 units. Eventually, police tracked two suspects running through the woods and getting into a silver SUV.

Police then conducted a traffic stop, leading to the arrests of four people, including the two suspects believed to be passengers in the Uber driver’s car. Police also seized a gun from the SUV that was believed to be used in the shooting.

The Columbia Police Department says charges are pending and it working closely with the Monroe County State’s Attorney.