Update: Wounded Suspect Arrested, After Merchant Fires Shot During Robbery, Police Say

The quick-thinking owner of Fred Vandergraff's Cortez Coins in Ellenton grabbed his own gun and chased away a robbery suspect who had tried to shoot him Wednesday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

Detectives announced Thursday afternoon that they had arrested 21-year-old La’Tay McKelly of Bradenton, in connection with the attempted armed robbery at Cortez Coins.

McKelly is being charged with Attempted Murder and Attempted Armed Robbery. He also apparently suffered a gunshot wound during the robbery attempt at Cortez Coin, detective said.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the suspect entered the coin shop, at 3812 U.S. 301, at about 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, asking for an appraisal.

As owner Fred Vandergraff leaned over the counter, the suspect hit the victim with a gun, and then tried to shoot him at least three times. But the gun did not discharge, the Sheriff's Office said in a media release.

Vandergraff then grabbed his own gun. He shot at the suspect, who ran out the door toward Franklin Avenue. Vandergraff told authorities at the time that he did not know if the suspect was shot.

Detectives began receiving information on McKelly as a suspect shortly after surveillance photos were released to the media Thursday, May 9. McKelly was located and arrested Thursday afternoon.

McKelly is being treated at a local hospital for a gunshot wound, but the injury is not life threatening, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. He will be booked into the Manatee County Jail when he's released.

 Here is how the Sheriff's Office described the events:

The suspect entered Vandegraff's Cortez Coins asking for an appraisal for some jewelry.  As the victim was working with him at the counter, the suspect suddenly produced a full sized pistol and struck the victim atop the head with it.  As the victim staggered back, the suspect pointed the pistol at him and pulled the trigger at least three times.  The victim retrieved his pistol from behind the counter as the suspect turned to run out the door.  The victim fired one time as the suspect fled. 

[Updated: May 9, 2013, 5:28 p.m.]

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