‘He shot my arm off’: Elderly shop owner defends himself against robbers

On Sunday, an elderly shop owner confronted a gang of armed would-be robbers, shooting one of them in the arm, causing them to flee.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, in the early hours of Sunday morning, an SUV rolled up to Norco Market & Liquor in Norco, California.

Three men, fronted by a 23-year-old, proceeded to get out of the vehicle and approach the store. Rifle in hand, the leader entered the store, actions that were not taken kindly by the 80-year-old shop owner.

Without hesitation, the elderly man pulled a shotgun out from behind the counter, and proceeded to fire in the would-be robber's direction, hitting him in the arm.

"He shot my arm off!" the suspect can be heard crying as he and his crew hobbled back to the getaway car.

Police arrived on the scene moments later, and were eventually able to trace the suspects and their, later discovered to be stolen, vehicle to a local hospital, where the rifle-wielding member of the group had been brought to have his wounds treated.

He is said to be in "critical, but stable condition," and will be arrested following his release from hospital. His accomplices were arrested on the spot, and held on $500,000 bail.

Justin Johnson, Jamar Williams, and Davon Broadus were all charged with robbery and conspiracy. The identity of the man who was shot has not been released.

"In this case, a lawfully armed member of our community prevented a violent crime and ensured their own safety, while being confronted with multiple armed suspects," the Sheriff's Department said in a statement, adding that the investigation is ongoing.

According to FOX 11 LA, the elderly shop-keeper was also taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack shortly after the ordeal.