Miami, Florida

From the NBC6.net of February 28, 2006

Police: Man Shoots, Kills Person Trying To Rob Him

A man shot and killed another man trying to rob him at a gas station early Tuesday morning, according to Miami-Dade County police.

Police said the victim was approached by an armed man at a BP gas station on West Dixie Highway at about 4 a.m.

Gas station employees said the robber was a 22-year-old man who went by the street name "S.P."

A witness said S.P. came into the parking lot, saw the victim wearing a gold chain, pulled a gun and demanded that he hand over the chain, NBC 6's Jeff Burnside reported.

The victim was also carrying a gun. Police said he shot and killed the robber during a confrontation.

Police found evidence that bullets were flying everywhere, from both the robber's and the victim's guns. The gas station owner, Cesar Gaiton, said a cashier counted at least seven shots, some of which hit the food store.

"She was screaming. When she called me, I said, 'Hello.' She was screaming, 'Somebody shot somebody in his face,'" Gaiton said.

"From what we gather at this point is that he did have a permit for the firearm. He did utilize the firearm, at this point, from what it seems, in self-defense. But, that's why the interview process and all the information gathering remains the same, like any other case," said Alvaro Zabaleta, of the Miami-Dade County police.

The victim was taken to Miami-Dade Police Department for questioning.

Detectives believe the robbery attempt was random and the shooting was apparently in self-defense. An investigation continues.