BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - A suspected burglar was seriously wounded this morning when a Birmingham shop owner fought back, and apparently opened fire during the break-in.

The shooting happened about 5 a.m. at an auto mechanic business in the 1000 block of 15th Place S.W.

Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards said the man who was shot underwent surgery at UAB Hospital. Police have not released his name, but said his injuries are life-threatening.

Edwards said two suspected burglars jumped the fence that surrounds the small, non-descript building. The owner, who sometimes sleeps there because of ongoing burglary attempts, came out of the building and fired at them.

One of the suspects was shot in the back and then ran away. A second suspect was confronted by the owner, slapped, and told to get off the property. He then also fled.

Both suspects jumped the fence again on their way out, Edwards said. The wounded man was dropped off at UAB Hospital.

As of noon, authorities had not found the second suspect or talked with the shop owner who fired at them. Police and an acquaintance of the shop owner said there have been multiple break-ins at the business.

Burglars, said the acquaintance, have jumped the fence and cut the fence during past burglaries. He said they've been warned that the owner was staying there.

The investigation is ongoing.