ENCINITAS (CNS) - A gun-wielding robbery suspect was wounded Monday when a deputy opened fire on him during a confrontation near San Elijo Lagoon County Park, authorities said.
Deputies responding to a reported armed holdup at El Pueblo restaurant on Birmingham Drive in Encinitas about 5:30 a.m. spotted a man matching the description of the bandit riding a blue motorcycle in the area of Santa Fe Drive and El Camino Real, about a mile from the eatery, according to sheriff's officials.
Refusing to yield, the rider led a short pursuit that ended when he lost control of his two-wheeler and crashed near the entrance to an apartment building in the 1700 block of El Camino Real in Cardiff, Lt. Kenneth Nelson said. The suspect then got up and ran off.
A deputy gave chase on foot and caught up with the suspect, later identified as 53-year-old Robert Parkin of Encinitas, nearby.
"There was a confrontation between the deputy and the suspect,'' Nelson said. "During the confrontation, the deputy fired multiple rounds at the suspect, striking him several times in the lower portion of his body.''
Medics took Parkin to a hospital for treatment of wounds that were not considered life-threatening.
No other injuries were reported.
At the site of the shooting, deputies found a silver pistol that Parkin allegedly had brandished while committing the robbery and cash believed to have been stolen during the crime.
"Once Parkin has received treatment for his injuries, he will be booked into jail on multiple felony charges,'' the lieutenant said.