DETROIT – An attempted armed robbery at a restaurant on Detroit's west side Saturday came to an abrupt end when the robber was shot by one of his intended victims.

The incident happened at the E&S Carry Out Shrimp Shack on McNichols Road near Schaefer Highway around 5:45 p.m.

As customers waited for their orders, they suddenly found themselves in danger.

"I would have given him money if he asked for money," Dennis said.

But the attempted robber wasn't begging, instead demanding cash at gunpoint.

"Just shocked we were getting robbed," Latanya said.

Dennis and his girlfriend, Latanya, didn't have much time to react. The couple and another customer started throwing their money and wallets on the floor.

"It wasn't a plan. It was just instinct. He had the gun in my girl's face," Dennis said.

But little did the robber know Dennis was ready and waiting for an opportunity.

"When I saw he had the gun in her face, and I threw my wallet down and keys, he turned to look and get the money, that's when I lit him up," Dennis said.

Dennis pulled out his gun, striking the robber once in the stomach. He then kicked the robber's gun away, then tended to the robber turned-victim.

"I feel for him. I'm hurting that I had to do that, but he left me no choice," Dennis said.

Dennis is licensed to carry. Police responded and the preliminary investigation shows Dennis acted in self-defense.