An alleged robber was shot at a Santa Ana fast food restaurant when a customer in the drive-though line saw the robbery in progress and fired shots through a window, police said.

Santa Ana Police Cmdr. Michael Claborn said the incident occurred just after midnight on Saturday, May 26 at the Cozy Corner Drive-In, 426 N. Harbor Blvd., when a man waiting for his food in the drive-through line saw a robbery in progress in the restaurant.

The man fired several shots at the robber, shattering the drive-through window, Claborn said.

A bullet fired by a drive-through customer hit a wall near an entrance to the Cozy Corner cafe in Santa Ana just past midnight, May 26. The customer fired at a man who was attempting to rob the restaurant inside. (Nathaniel Percy, Staff)

Two bullets fired from a drive-through customer hit this service door near the front register at the Cozy Corner cafe in Santa Ana, just past midnight, May 26. (Nathaniel Percy, Staff)

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A bullet fired by a drive-through customer hit a wall near an entrance to the Cozy Corner cafe in Santa Ana just past midnight, May 26. The customer fired at a man who was attempting to rob the restaurant inside. (Nathaniel Percy, Staff)

A bullet fired by a drive-through customer hit the cash register at the Cozy Corner cafe. The customer fired at a man attempting to rob the restaurant in the early morning hours, May 26 (Nathaniel Percy, Staff)



“It was very dangerous, one of the employees could have been shot,” he said.

The alleged robber collapsed and was taken to a nearby hospital. He was hit multiple times but was expected to survive, Claborn said. The man was arrested on suspicion of robbery. His identity was not available Saturday.

The shooter sped off in his vehicle, Claborn said, adding that the man is now wanted on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. No suspect description was available.

The incident was captured on surveillance video, which was broadcast by stations including CBS Los Angeles.

Cozy Corner remained open for business Saturday.

The restaurant’s manager, Francisco Reyno, told NBC Los Angeles he was glad no employees were hurt and that the stolen money – $274 – was immediately recovered.