CITY HEIGHTS (CBS 8) - A gunman remained on the loose Friday night, after police say he shot and critically wounded a suspected purse thief and burglar in City Heights.
Authorities say the 28-year-old man was shot in the chest at about 6pm Friday on the 3700 block of 42nd Street. Leading up to that, the shooting victim had allegedly snatched a purse on display at a corner street vendor one block away.
The alleged robber, who pulled a knife on the street vendors who chased after him, then ducked into a nearby apartment complex. Police say he apparently entered one of the units and stole a bicycle from it.
He did not make it far, though: authorities say as he was trying to get away, the knife-wielding suspect was confronted in front of the complex by a man brandishing a handgun. That man then fired one shot, striking the robbery and burglary suspect in his chest.
The 28-year-old was then taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital, where he underwent surgery for life-threatening injuries.
Following the shooting, San Diego police surrounded the apartment complex, trying to locate the shooting suspect who they believed could have been hiding in one of the units. Hours later, authorities determined the apartment was empty.
Police say that, if he survives his injuries, the shooting victim could face felony robbery and burglary charges once released from the hospital.