Police say a store employee took matters into his own hands to stop an attempted robbery in Fordham early Sunday morning.

Police say 26-year-old Gerson Rochez-Lopez walked into a store on East 194th Street just before 1 a.m. and tried to rob it. Police say before he could, an employee inside the store fired at Rochez-Lopez multiple times, hitting him.

Officials tell News 12 that the firearm the employee used was his licensed gun. The suspect was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital in critical but stable condition.

Police say the employee is not facing any charges at this time.

MORE: Police: Store employee shoots attempted robber in Fordham

News 12 spoke with other employees at the store, and they are hoping Richez-Lopez recovers quickly. Others in the area are surprised that this incident happened in their neighborhood.

Rochez-Lopez is being charged with attempted murder, attempted robbery, criminal possession of a weapon and menacing.

They tell News 12 they are also worried about possible retaliation.