PHOENIX -- A store owner wrestled a gun away from an armed robber and shot the man three times Monday, Phoenix police said.

Alberto Perez, 22, entered Soccer City around 5:40 p.m., pointed a gun at owner Lionel Sanchez and demanded money, according to police.

Police said Perez locked the store's front door from the inside.

Sanchez told police Perez was talking to someone on the phone and indicated he planned to shoot.

When Perez momentarily let his guard down, police said, Sanchez lunged for the gun and wrestled it away, then shot Perez three times.

Perez told officers at the scene that he had recently entered the U.S. illegally with the intention of getting money to take back to Mexico. Police said Perez told them he smuggled the gun across the border.

Perez was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Police said he would be charged with armed robbery upon his release.

Sanchez will not face charges.

"Right now, initially, it looks like it's a case of self-defense," said Sgt. Phil Roberts.

When asked why he was bold enough to go after the gun, Sanchez revealed he has studied karate for the past five years.