Witnesses describe the gun fire that echoed down Wyalusing Avenue Friday morning as sounding like a machine gun after an armed robbery inside a West Philadelphia market went bad.
The owner chased the gun toting robber down the block and opened fire.
"I do what I had to do," said store owner Fercido Nunez.
"Clearly this guy was in danger, his family was in danger," said Lt. John Walker of Southwest Detectives.
It all started just before 9 am. inside the market. Police say the gunman walked in, announced a robbery to the owner's wife and stole $40. Then, he turned on the owner and fired two shots. The 39-year-old Nunez fired four shots back from his licensed handgun.
"He was concerned for his family and there was a child walking through that door at the exchange of gunfire," Walker said.
When the gunman ran from the store, the owner, a former police officer in the Dominican Republic, gave chase, then opened fire when the robber turned on him with his .38 caliber revolver.
"He didn't intend to shoot him, when the male turned on him with the gun a second time, he discharged," Walker added.
The owner's daughter praised her dad's actions
"He's great. I love my dad," said Catherine Nunez.
"He's heroic inside the store," Walker said.
"I'm just a simple guy doing a service for the community...you had to do what you had to do. Yes. Thank you so much guys," Nunez said.
"You can put me on that jury, he's innocent," said one neighbor
Neighbors say the store owner is a good guy who did the right thing chasing the gunman and shooting him.
"I heard they had a gun to his wife's head, he came out and shot him. Vigilante justice," a neighbor said.
"He is permitted to do that under those circumstances. We'll confer with the district attorney," Walker explained.
It appears no charges will be filed against the store owner.
The suspect was shot twice in the stomach.
Police say he's a convicted felon and not supposed to have a gun. He will be charged with two counts of attempted murder, robbery and weapons offenses. He is in critical, but stable condition at the hospital.
Monday, June 17 2013 5:18 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:18:27 GMT
"Very creepy" is the way neighbors are describing the most recent incidents involving a suspected prowler in Lumberton who has struck three times in the last couple of months.
"Very creepy" is the way neighbors are describing the most recent incidents involving a suspected prowler in Lumberton who has struck three times in the last couple of months.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:02 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:02:59 GMT
Just hours after L&I building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer ended his own life Wednesday night, sources say police found a videotape on which Wagenhoffer says "it wasn't my fault."
Just hours after L&I building inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer ended his own life Wednesday night, sources say police found a videotape on which Wagenhoffer says "it wasn't my fault."
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:36:19 GMT
"We have now lost seven lives in connection with this tragedy." With those words, city officials confirmed the overnight suicide of License and Inspections Inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer.
"We have now lost seven lives in connection with this tragedy."With those words, city officials confirmed the overnight suicide of License and Inspections Inspector Ronald Wagenhoffer.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 5:35 PM EDT2013-06-12 21:35:59 GMT
For the neighbors on the 6500 block of Crescentville Road this intersection with Cheltenham Avenue has been a nightmare. So much so, they can't even sit out on their front porches.
For the neighbors on the 6500 block of Crescentville Road this intersection with Cheltenham Avenue has been a nightmare. So much so, they can't even sit out on their front porches.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:51 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:51:47 GMT
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Bensalem Police have released a series of photos of the suspect wanted for stabbing a man during a vehicle break-in.It all happened on Monday when the suspect was observed trying to break into vehicle
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:47 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:47:28 GMT
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
It was a crime that stunned a Montgomery County community--the murder of a baby and her grandmother. Now, the lawyer for 27-year-old Raghunandan Yandamuri says his client was "pressured" into confessing.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 3:41 PM EDT2013-06-18 19:41:03 GMT
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light. The incident happened on May 1 around 8:30 p.m.
A man from Newark Delaware has been charged after he exposed himself to a woman while stopped at a red light.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:58 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:58:15 GMT
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation? FOX29's Mike Jerrick was out on the patio with some tips from the folks at Balance Chestnut Hill on "Good Day Philadelphia" Tuesday morning.
Ever wonder how you can stay toned while on vacation?
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:44 GMT
Earlier this spring, Philadelphia police were involved in seven shootings in seven days. That prompted a review that is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Earlier this spring, Philadelphia police were involved in seven shootings in seven days. That prompted a review that is being done in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:52 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:52:25 GMT
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.Earlier this month the company refused
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire.Earlier this month the company refused
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:51:46 GMT
Thunderstorms are bringing downpours to the area right now, particularly South Jersey and Delaware, as a cold front moves through. Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for several counties.
Thunderstorms are bringing downpours to the area right now, particularly South Jersey and Delaware, as a cold front moves through. Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for several counties.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:20 GMT
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street. The house
For the second time in one week, officers from the PSPCA are rescuing cats from another hoarding situation.17 cats have been rescued so far from a rowhome on the 2000 block of Margaret Street. The house
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Store owner Fercido Nunez talks with investigators after he opened fire on a gun-toting suspect.
