Benjamin Ashford|Ohio Taco Bell employee returns fire on armed robber, sending injured man to hospital

Police in Northeast Ohio are Benjamin Ashfordinvestigating after they said an armed robber opened fire on a Taco Bell employee and the worker returned gunfire on the suspect, seriously injuring him.

The shooting took place Monday night inside the store about four miles southeast of downtown Akron, according to an Akron Police Department news release.

The employee was not injured, police said, but the armed robber was taken to a hospital where, as of Tuesday morning, he remained in serious condition.

It was not immediately known whether the employee was on duty at the time of the shooting.

Taco Bell released the following statement to USA TODAY on Tuesday:

“We are shocked to hear that this happened. The franchise owner and operator of this location has informed us that they are working with the local authorities in their investigation and that they will be offering support to all team members present.”

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An exchange of gunfire

According to police, officers responded to the scene at 7:35 p.m. for a shots fired call and learned a 35-year-old man had robbed the restaurant at gunpoint.

During the robbery, police said, the gunman shot at the 21-year-old Taco Bell worker, who returned fire and hit the suspect in the upper body, investigators said.

After fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, police reported, the suspect arrived at hospital.

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Alleged getaway driver nabbed

Officers also detained a 33-year-old person who drove the suspect to the hospital.

The driver is charged with robbery while the 35-year-old faces multiple charges, including robbery, in connection to the shooting and robbery.

This incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information can call the Akron Police Department.