Robbery victim turns tables on suspect

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Mobile police say a robbery suspect got an unexpected surprise when his intended victim started shooting at him.

It happened around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday on Chinquapin Street in Mobile. When it was all over, the suspect was the one who ended up in the hospital. 

A holster was still on the hood of the victim's car hours after the shooting.

One neighbor, who didn't want to be identified, said he was in bed when he heard gunfire.

"I can't say what time it was, but I heard about six or seven gunshots go off.  You know what I'm saying.  I thought I was hearing thunder, but apparently it was gunshots," the neighbor said.

Police said an armed suspect approached the intended victim and demanded his property. The robbery suspect may have thought the victim was reaching for his wallet when, in fact, he was going after his own gun.

"He got a pistol permit. We're real good friends, and we talk on a daily basis," the neighbor said.

The suspect fled and then fired back. The intended victim wasn't hit, but a bullet did flatten one of the tires on his car.

Police said they were called to Mobile Infirmary a short time later when a man showed up with a gunshot wound to the leg. Police said he'll remain under police guard until he's released from the hospital. Then he'll be charged with robbery.

Neighbors weren't surprised the suspect ended up getting shot. They said everyone has been on edge because of crime in the area, including a recent home invasion.

Alphonse Owes was the victim of that invasion. He spoke to FOX10 Monday.

"The door flew open and the guys told me, 'Don't move. If you move, I'll kill you,’" Owes said.

The victim in that crime was beaten in his own home, just around the corner from Tuesday's robbery attempt.

"I don't know. These people are trippin’ around here. There are home invasions, and they're doing everything up under the sun," one neighbor said.

Some, like Ward Matthews, said they have had enough.

"When they come at me, I'm going to be ready," Matthews said.

It's a warning potential robbers might do well to heed. 

Police said the robbery suspect's name will be released once he's charged.