A bullet can be seen in the windshield of a crashed vehicle in McKenzie Lake on Monday morning. (Crystal Vilela/CBC)

Calgary's police chief is defending the actions of two officers who shot at an oncoming car early Monday morning.

"[The driver] chose to take actions that put our police officers in serious jeopardy. Our officers have every right to defend themselves because our officers are out there defending our community," said police Chief Rick Hanson.

"At this point in time I am totally satisfied that the officers were put in a position where to protect themselves they had to act."

The officers were on a routine patrol at 3 a.m. and spotted a driver acting in an erratic manner near the McKenzie Lake Island entrance, said Hanson.

"The driver eventually backed the vehicle into a curb at the end of a dead end street," he said. The officers stopped their marked cruiser and walked toward the car.

"As our officers approached the vehicle, the driver revved up the engine and accelerated towards our officers, striking one of the officers. At this point, both officers fired shots at the vehicle, which was later determined to be stolen."

The 21-year-old man at the wheel drove away, hit two vehicles and a tree, but soon stopped the damaged car and fled on foot. He was later found hiding under a canoe.

The man had injuries to his hands and face and was hit by at least one of approximately five bullets fired by the officers, said Hanson.

One of the officers suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from hospital.

"Both officers are obviously shook up from the incident. There won't be anything that is permanent, a little bit bruised and battered but otherwise fine," said Hanson.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), which investigates any use of force by police that results in serious injury or death, is looking into the incident. No formal charges can be laid until after ASIRT's probe, added officials.