West Philly deli owner shoots attempted robbery suspect

An unidentified man was in critical condition Thursday night after being shot by a deli owner in Overbrook during an attempted robbery, police said.

The man, described as being in his 20s, entered the deli at 65th Street and Lebanon Avenue about 7:50 p.m. and attempted to rob the 37-year-old owner by announcing he had a gun, said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

The owner drew his own gun and fired four shots, striking the would-be robber in the groin. The suspect ran out and collapsed at 66th Street and Lansdowne Avenue, where police found him. Officers  took him to Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood.

As it turned out, the suspect was not armed and was pretending to have gun underneath his clothing, Small said. The incident was captured on surveillance video inside the deli. The owner and his wife, who also was in the store, were not hurt.

There have been similar robberies in the area and the attempt Thursday night could "very possibly be related," Small said.