Shreveport police say what started out as an armed robbery nearly turned into a homicide when a gunman opened fire on the store owner.

"The victim was shot at least three times," said Cpl. Marcus Hines.

It happened at the Expressway Grocery in the 2300 block of Alabama just after seven o'clock Monday night.

Evidence recovered on the scene suggests that the store owner, identified as 48 year old Syeb Jaffri of Bossier City, may have returned fire at the suspect. Jaffri was transported to LSUHSC where he was listed in fair condition.

"All my prayers are with him and his family because he's a great guy," said Earnest Fuller.

Fuller says he visits the store every day and is now afraid for his safety.

"We need to figure out a way we can stop this madness that's going around," said Fuller.

Police say the neighbors have been very cooperative with investigators.  Hines says that's to be expected when something so horrific happens so close to home.

"This place has been here for many years.  A lot of residents are familiar with the owner so generally when you have a situation like this, the community comes together in an effort to find out who did this," said Hines.

If you can help police solve this crime, call Crime Stoppers at (318) 673-7373.