Indianapolis ? Indiana Pacers guard Stephen Jackson fired shots in the air in apparent self-defense after he was hit by a car outside a strip club early Friday – the latest blow to a team struggling to rebuild its image.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Jackson and teammates Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter committed an “error in judgment” by staying out late during training camp. No one was seriously injured.

“Stephen is very lucky,” Carlisle said. “It was a potential life-threatening situation that was averted. And right now, the biggest emotion I feel is relief that he’s going to be OK.”

Police said the disturbance began with an argument inside Club Rio involving patrons and players. The players said they left the club, but the patrons followed them. Then things turned physical.

Sgt. Matthew Mount, a police spokesman, said Jackson fired five shots from a 9mm pistol outside the Indianapolis club after he was slugged in the mouth and struck by a car that sent him tumbling onto the hood. Officers were searching for the vehicle and three men wanted for questioning.

Carlisle said Jackson needed stitches in his lip and face but had no broken bones or other damage. His status for Wednesday’s preseason opener against New Jersey was unclear.

“He’s got some scrapes and bruises, but this guy is going to bounce back,” Carlisle said.

Police said a small amount of marijuana was found in the passenger-side door of the car belonging to Tinsley. Carlisle declined to comment on that, saying he didn’t have enough information. Mount said no arrests were made because police could not determine who had the marijuana. Three others were in the car with Tinsley, police said.

Tinsley and Daniels also had guns in their cars, and all three armed players had weapons permits, Mount said.