The Pasquotank County Sheriff's Office says people near the Fox Haven subdivision in Elizabeth City should "shelter in place" as they search for suspects who shot at a deputy Tuesday.

"At this time, a shelter in place message has been issued due to the manhunt under way to locate the two subjects. People are encouraged to stay inside, as the subjects are considered armed and dangerous," the sheriff's office said Tuesday morning.

Deputies tried to stop a stolen vehicle Tuesday morning on the Main Street Extension in Elizabeth City, but the two suspects drove away, the sheriff's office said.

During the police chase, one of the people in the car shot at the deputy with a rifle, according to the sheriff's office. The deputy was not hurt in the shooting.

The car chase ended in a wooded area near the Fox Haven subdivision, north of downtown Elizabeth City, officials said. The suspects ran into a wooded area.

Officers and deputies with the Elizabeth City Police Department, State Highway Patrol, N.C. Wildlife and the Camden County Sheriff's Office are helping with the manhunt.

The Fox Haven subdivision backs up to large farm fields. It is not far from the Albemarle District Jail and two Pasquotank County schools.