Would-Be Robber Shot by Clerk

The robbery of a Sherman Oaks pharmacy was foiled Friday afternoon by a store employee who confronted the would-be robber and shot him, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department said.

Initial reports indicated that the employee had taken the intruder’s gun and turned it on him, but police later retracted that account and said they still were investigating how the shooting occurred.

Despite being shot several times, the robber, who was wearing body armor, managed to flee the store at 14070 Ventura Blvd. and escape in a waiting getaway car, said Officer Jason Lee, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department.

Officers later received word that a gunshot victim had been dropped off at Tarzana Hospital.

Arriving at the hospital, officers placed the suspect under arrest. Late Friday, he was in critical condition.

The driver of the getaway car was still at large Friday night. Lee described him as a white man with tattoos on both arms, driving a black or dark-colored Volkswagen Golf.