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A customer at an East Ridge gas station fatally shot a suspected robber Thursday morning after the man allegedly threatened to kill the clerk, police say.

East Ridge Police Department Capt. Tim Mullinax said the customer entered the Marathon station at 4011 Ringgold Road armed with a large bladed object. He stole money from the register and "a large quantity of cigarettes," then grabbed the clerk and forced her to accompany him out of the store.

Outside, Mullinax said, the alleged robber and the clerk encountered a customer who noticed what was happening inside. After grabbing a handgun from his vehicle, the customer fired several shots at the man, hitting him at least once in the torso, Mullinax said.

The alleged robber later died from his wounds. Though the investigation is ongoing, Mullinax said the shooter has not been charged. Police released neither of their names Thursday.

Mullinax said the customer had been in store before, but he didn't know whether the man knew the clerk.

At the Marathon station Thursday, three clerks standing near the register said they could not discuss the shooting. There were no discernible signs of struggle or violence, and business proceeded as usual.

Contact staff writer Zack Peterson at zpeterson@timesfreepress.com. Follow @zackpeterson918.

This article was updated at 11:30 p.m. with additional information and a full version of the story as seen in the July 1 Times Free Press.