East Ridge Police said a customer at an East Ridge gas station early Thursday morning shot a robber, who was then found by police lying outside the station and was arrested. The robber has died. His name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

At 1:47 a.m., East Ridge Police responded to 4011 Ringgold Road, the Marathon Service Station, on a person shot.

As officers were en route to the scene, they were advised of a robbery at the same location. On arrival, police located a person lying in the parking lot suffering from at least one gunshot wound in the torso. Police and responding East Ridge Fire Rescue began first aid until EMS arrived and transported the subject.

East Ridge Police said the preliminary investigation indicates that the man who was shot had entered the store and committed an aggravated robbery, armed with a large-bladed weapon. He entered, demanded money from the register, taking it and a large quantity of cigarettes.

Then the robber grabbed the female store clerk, threatening to kill her and forcing her to accompany him as he fled.

As they exited the store they encountered a customer who determined the store was being robbed. He retrieved a handgun from his vehicle. The customer confronted the robber and fired several shots, striking him at least once in the torso.