Milpitas police on Tuesday recovered the stolen vehicle driven by gunman who opened fire on an officer during an early-morning traffic stop, but the intense manhunt for the suspect has come up empty so far, according to authorities.

Milpitas police spokesman Sgt. Kevin Corvin said the officer had little time to react when the shooting began as 1:45 a.m. traffic stop at Jacklin Road and Escuela Parkway.

"As the officer stopped the vehicle, the driver exited the car and opened fire," he told KTVU. "Our officer was able to return fire. He was not struck. We don’t know if the suspect was struck but he fled in his vehicle."

A manhunt was immediately launched and crime scene technicians combed the area for evidence. Jacklin Road was closed for over five hours during the search.

Corvin said investigators were also contacting local businesses to see if their surveillance cameras captured any images of the suspect or his vehicle.

Later Tuesday morning, authorities recovered the tan 1996 Honda Accord that the suspect was driving during the incident. The suspect's vehicle had been stolen in San Jose and was left parked at Folsom Circle, not far from the neighborhood where the shooting took place.

A canine unit was brought in so a police dog could get the suspect's scent and help with the search in the neighborhood.

Police issued a suspect description, saying they are looking for a Hispanic male, age 20-25, approximately 5'6" to 5'9" tall and weighing 160 to 180 pounds. The suspect has a medium build and was wearing a black and white plaid shirt.

Anyone with more information on the case is asked to call Milpitas police at (408) 586-2400. Tips can be given anonymously by calling (408)586-2800 or visiting the Police Department's website.