One person is dead and another injured after a gunfight at a medical marijuana dispensary in the heart of North Park, according to San Diego Police.

The incident started as an attempted robbery in the 3800 block of Ray St. around 12:25 p.m. Friday.

According to SDPD Lt. Manuel Del Toro, two male suspects entered the store and held up those inside at gunpoint.

At that point, the men got into a shootout with a security guard inside. The guard shot and killed one of the suspects and received a gunshot wound himself -- despite his bulletproof vest.

He was taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital where underwent surgery, and he is expected to be OK.

The second suspect fled the area in a white car. Police describe him as a dark-skinned man in his 20s, 6-feet tall, weighing 190 pounds and wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt.

No one has been taken into custody. It's unclear if anything was taken from the dispensary, which was operating illegally, police said.

"North Park is an interesting mix of being this up-and-coming neighborhood and, you know, you've gotta be a little careful, at least around here," said North Park resident Andy Schatz.

Check back for details on this developing news story.