WATSONVILLE – A Santa Cruz man was shot in the leg during an attempted robbery outside Markley’s Indoor Range and Gun Shop Sunday afternoon, police said.

The 38-year-old victim was with his father-in-law when the two left the range about 2 p.m., after some recreational shooting, and had secured their firearm as required, Sgt. Brian Ridgway said.

They put the gun in the trunk of their car and were about to get in the car when a man walked up, armed with a handgun and wearing a bandana over his face, and demanded their weapon, Ridgway said.

The father-in-law, who is 46, grabbed the suspect’s gun and struggled with him momentarily and the younger man began running south on Vic Rugh Lane, he said.

The suspect broke free and chased him, firing several shots and striking him once in the leg, Ridgway said.

The shooter then jumped in a black or dark green Acura, which was last seen heading toward Freedom Boulevard from Gardener Avenue, police said.

The Acura was estimated to be a 1988 to 1992 model with a body in poor condition and a rear tinted window with bubbling on it.

The shooter was described as a Latino about 5 feet, 10 inches tall and 160 pounds. He wore a hat as well as a white and black bandana.

The driver was described as about age 30, clean cut, possibly wearing a white shirt.

A “be on the lookout” was broadcast, and police combed the area, but the suspects were not found.

The victim’s injuries were not life-threatening, but he was flown to a trauma center due to the severity of the wound.

Markley’s range is on Blanca Lane at Vic Rugh Lane, off Freedom Boulevard.

Police ask anyone with information on the case to call investigations at 831-768-3352 or the anonymous tipline at 831-728-3544.