COCOA, Fla. – Three suspects have been arrested after a Cocoa store owner shot and wounded a man he says tried to rob him Tuesday night, according to police.
The shooting happened around 8 p.m. at the Chevron at 6 South Cocoa Blvd.
Norrick Hyman, 30, was identified as the man who was found on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. Hyman was airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne.
The store owner told officers that Hyman was one of two who entered his store and attempted to rob him at gunpoint, according to Cocoa police.
The owner, who is known to be armed while at his store, shot several rounds at the men, police said. The second culprit, identified as DeJuan Wright, fled in a vehicle, which was struck by the owner's gunfire, police said.
"It appears that his life was being threatened when the suspect entered the store and pointed a gun at him, so preliminary we can say it appears he was acting in self defense of his own life and property," Yvonne Martinez, public information officer with the Cocoa Police Department said.
Police said a vehicle with suspects still inside was found in Rockledge and they were taken into custody.
Janisha Smith, 23, was charged with robbery with a firearm and detectives say they believe she planned and directed the armed robbery attempt.
Police say the three suspects have committed serious felonies in Cocoa for a long time.
"They have histories, violent histories, and they've been able to get released," Martinez said. "Hopefully the judicial system will see fit this time to proceed and have some serious jail time that's a consequence of this."
Martinez adds this is the fourth time the store owner has had to use a gun to stop robbers.
"We don't encourage anyone to take the law into their own hands, but if you're ever put int he situation where you need to defend yourself, absolutely defend yourself," Martinez said.
All three suspects are charged with robbery with a firearm.
Hyman underwent surgery on Wednesday. Once he is released from the hospital, he will be sent to the jail.