The Bronx bodega owner who shot dead a robber is not expected to be charged, police said Monday.

The 43-year-old owner of the J Market on Morrison Avenue in Soundview, identified by law enforcement sources as Jin Jie Chen, was questioned by police and later released following the 10:30 p.m. Sunday incident at his store, cops said.

Chen — a legal gun owner — quickly called the police after shooting 32-year-old Daniel Meeks in the head when the thief jumped over the store counter to rob him, police said.

According to law enforcement sources, Meeks had been in the market earlier in the evening and had taken money off the counter that belonged to another customer before he fled and later returned.

Following the shooting, emergency responders rushed Meeks to Jacobi Medical Center, where he died.

Meeks, according to police, had a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2006.

Last Wednesday, he was busted for petit larceny, cops said. Meeks was also arrested for criminal mischief on July 16 and again for the same charge two days later.

Chen declined to speak to reporters Monday about the incident.

Sources say that Chen has a valid permit to carry a firearm.

Meanwhile, a former worker at the bodega defended Chen’s actions.

“He did what he had to do to protect his business,” said the 51-year-old ex-porter, who would only identify himself as Louie M.

“I had no knowledge of him having a pistol. He’s just a nice guy, I’m very surprised to learn he had a pistol,” said Louie, who noted that Chen and his wife share a young son together. “He was just doing what he had to do to protect his family.”

Miguel Rosario, 56, a local resident who often buys his breakfast at the J Market said: “I feel bad for the owners.”

“They are just very hard-working people. They also own the Chinese restaurant on this block,” said Rosario, adding that Chen “does a lot for the neighborhood. He’s really into the community board.”