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SAN DIEGO — An attempted holdup at a North Park medical marijuana dispensary erupted in gunfire Friday, leaving a security guard wounded and a suspected robber dead, authorities reported.

The shootout at the shop on Ray Street occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m., according to San Diego police.

“They attempted to rob the dispensary at gunpoint,” said Lt. Manuel Del Toro.

Del Toro said the suspects walked into the store guns drawn.

“They were attempting to steal marijuana.” said Lt. Del Toro. “They did hold up the marijuana dispensary at gunpoint and there was a shooting that went on inside of the marijuana dispensary.”

The gun battle between the suspects and a security guard. One of the suspects died on scene and the other one fled. The security guard was wounded and taken to the hospital. He is in stable condition.

“I heard boom and then saw the cop car come going after them,” said Nicole Dodson.

Dodson was at home eating lunch at her apartment when she heard a loud screech and then a crashing sound.

“I came out and I saw the fence was just destroyed,” said Dodson as she showed Fox 5 the fence next door. “The guy was parked right next to my car. He took off down the alley.”

“We were driving down the street and I saw this guy, he just comes running,” said Kevin London.

London actually saw the suspect after he fled the dispensary.

“He had like a pretty worn duffle bag, he was running like he was in a really big hurry. He ran past my car and cut through the alley, quick,” said London.

Police are now searching for the suspect. Investigators have very little to work with. He is described as a black male driving a white sedan, possibly a Mercedes.

Police told Fox 5 the dispensary is operating illegally, but it will not affect their investigation.

Dodson said it was one of several dispensaries that have moved into her neighborhood. She said she’s not against medical marijuana, but this type of business does bring concern.

“It’s scary because it’s a cash only business and that’s kind of why they probably targeted that place,” said Dodson.