HAWTHORNE, Calif. (CNS) - A man who robbed four people in a Hawthorne parking lot Wednesday was run over by his victims as he tried to get away and accidentally shot himself in the face, Hawthorne police said.

The incident occurred about 3 a.m. outside a Denny's at 132nd Street and Hawthorne Boulevard, said Hawthorne police Lt. Steve Romero.

The injured man was taken to a hospital for surgery and was listed in critical condition, police said. His name was not immediately released.

According to the preliminary investigation, the man robbed four people at gunpoint who were in a parked car, police said.

"As the suspect fled on foot towards an awaiting vehicle, he was struck by the victims' car," a police statement said.

"We believe this impact caused the suspect to accidentally fire his gun, causing his own injuries," police said. "It appears that the suspect's accomplices initially attempted to assist him into their vehicle to escape, but eventually fled the scene without him."

The four victims initially left the scene but three of them returned and provided statements to officers, police said.

The wounded man's gun was recovered at the scene. His accomplices remain at large.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call detectives at (310) 349-2820.