JASIN: A burger vendor took a bullet while trying to save a woman from being robbed at a mini market in Taman Bukit Tembakau, Umbai, here, on Wednesday night.
State Criminal Investigation Department Chief ACP Raja Shahrom Raja Abdullah said the 30-year-old vendor was operating his business nearby when he heard a woman screaming for help in the 8.15pm incident.
"He took a stick and hit one of the two suspects who tried to escape by motorcycle, before the assailant shot him above his right ankle, some 10 metres away from the mini market," he said.
Earlier, the 49-year-old woman was sitting at the cashier of the mini market, when an armed robber wearing a full-face motorcycle helmet had demanded cash from her.
"The woman screamed and sprayed an insect repellent on the face of the robber, who left the visor of his helmet ajar.
"The suspect was believed to have used the back of his pistol and hit the head of the woman before he fled with his accomplice who was waiting on a motorcycle," he said.
The woman who sustained injuries on her ear was rushed to the Malacca Hospital together with the injured burger vendor for further treatment.
Raja Shahrom said the two suspects, believed to be in their 20's had fled the scene empty handed.
"Our forensic team were unable to find bullet casing at the scene and we hope eyewitnesses can come forward to provide us with more information.
"We are investigating the case under Section 395 of the Penal Code for armed gang robbery," he said.
Meanwhile, the woman's son, only wanted to be known as Tan said this was the first time a robbery occurred at the mini-market.
"My parents have been operating this for over 14 years and this is the first time such armed robbery happens," he said.