LOWELL — Police say the owner of a Central Street liquor store fired two gunshots at a man who had just robbed his store at gunpoint late Saturday night, but that both shots missed as the suspect escaped.

Officers were called to Pacific Liquors, 421 Central St., shortly after closing time, about 11:05 p.m., initially by a holdup alarm, according to police radio broadcasts. As officers were en route, dispatchers called the store and confirmed there had been a robbery.

Officers were immediately updated via radio broadcasts that the store’s owner chased the suspect out of the store and that both men were armed with guns.

Moments later, police got a 911 call reporting shots fired in the area of Linden Street, a block away behind the liquor store.

Officers found two spent shell casings near the intersection of Linden and Union streets, and soon confirmed that both shots had been fired by the owner of Pacific Liquors. Police did not immediately identify the owner, but said he was not charged.

A police supervisor at the scene said the owner was licensed to carry a gun and was in fear for his life when he fired since he and his wife had just been threatened at gunpoint.

The robbery suspect was described as a light-skinned black male in his late 30s or early 40s, about 5 feet 10 inches, with a heavyset build. He wore black pants and a black jacket.

The suspect was last seen fleeing the area in a dark-colored sedan believed to be either a BMW or a Honda.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lowell police at 978-937-3200 or Crimestoppers at 978-459-TIPS (8477).

Tipsters can remain anonymous, but can receive up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

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