A Louisiana state trooper shot and critically wounded a man during a traffic stop in Alexandria after the man pulled a gun on him, authorities said today.

State Police said Trooper Peter Smith had pulled a motorcycle rider over for speeding late Thursday night on U.S. 71 at Interstate 40 in Alexandria.

The motorcycle rider smelled of alcohol and had a container of vodka hanging from his neck, State Police said. The trooper attempted to handcuff the motorcyclist, State Police said, but he jerked away from him and pulled a pistol from his waistband.

Smith took cover behind a utility pole and kept telling the man to put the gun down, troopers said. The man then went to the trooper's patrol car, took his driver's license from the ticket book and threw the ticket book at the trooper.

State Police said the man then pointed the gun at the trooper, who shot him in the chest.

Edward Chance, 57, of Pineville was listed in critical condition today at Rapides General Hospital.

Chance faces charges of attempted murder of a police officer, illegal carrying of a weapon, resisting an officer, fourth-offense DWI, open container and speeding. State Police are continuing their investigation of the shooting.