Police say an off-duty police officer shot a man Tuesday who tried to carjack him in Elmont.

Two men confronted the off-duty NYPD cop and threatened him with a knife on Wellington Road near Locustwood Boulevard, authorities say. According to police, the off-duty officer fired his gun when the suspects opened the door to his car.

Detective Lt. Michael Fleming says the officer had no choice since he was seatbelted into his car and couldn't fend the men off otherwise.

Willie Watkins, 18, was arrested and charged with attempted robbery.