Shootout between Victorville store employee and suspected thieves send three to the hospital

(FOX 11) - A frightening shootout in Victorville between a store employee and two suspected thieves sent all three men to the hospital Tuesday afternoon.

One suspect was handcuffed and rolled out on a gurney, the second suspect's injuries were so severe, crews airlifted him to the hospital.

The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department say a shootout occurred between the suspects and a store employee after the men threatened to steal merchandise.

A nearby employee says the pawn shop is run by a family who's been here decades.

One injured employee compressed his wounds outside the store Tuesday before being pushed out in a gurney.

Deputies say two other employees were in the store at the time, but they were not injured.

With a potential crime that could have had far greater consequences, many in the area are frustrated by the brazen attack.

"I know them for a long time, and they very nice people. They don't deserve to be hurt like that," said nearby store owner Bartolo Ruiz.

All three men are expected to survive.

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