Stephen Jackson
© AFP/Getty Images/File Matthew Stockman

INDIANAPOLIS, United States (AFP) - Indianapolis Police Department officials told the Indianapolis Star that Stephen Jackson fired five shots from a pistol after being punched and then hit by a car outside Club Rio during an early morning altercation.

"He was hit in the mouth. He was bloodied up pretty good," police spokesman Matthew Mount told the newspaper.

Attackers fled after Jackson began shooting, police said. Jackson, who has a gun permit, refused treatment at the scene despite limping after being struck by the car.

"Were not sure if he just went over the hood or he went over the whole car," Mount told the Star.

Also involved in the incident were Pacers players Jamaal Tinsley, Jimmie Hunter and Marquis Daniels.

"The incident Friday morning involving some of our players is currently being reviewed by the proper authorities. All parties involved are cooperating with the authorities," the Pacers said in a statement.

"Since this is an ongoing review of the matters that took place Friday morning, the Pacers will have no further comment at this time."

The team was scheduled to practice Friday at its home arena but Jackson, Tinsley, Hunter and Daniels do not plan to comment on the matter on the advice of attorneys.

Jackson was suspended for 30 games in 2004 after taking part in a brawl between Pacers players and Detroit Pistons supporters during a game at Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Larry Bird, the retired NBA star who is president of the Pacers, has said he is ready to make changes in personnel over bad attitudes and has been unhappy with Jackson in the past.

The incident came one day after Pacers coach Rick Carlisle received a contract extension from the club.

The Star reported that police are seeking three men in connection with their roles in the brawl, which saw Jackson fire a 9mm handgun after being attacked by a man driving a car at about three in the morning, according to Mount.

"The Pacers said there had been some problems and they tried to extricate themselves," Mount said.

Tinsley and Daniels had weapons in their cars but did not use them in the incident, Mount said.

A small amount of marijuana was found in Tinsley's car but no one was arrested, Mount told the Star.

"Theres no way of telling whose it was, hence no arrests," Mount said.

©AFP