An inexperienced crook and his three accomplices thought they could push over a Salemburg business man over the weekend, but instead they received a surprise when the owner turned the tables on the men, grabbing his gun and shooting at them.

It all began when the 43-year-old owner of Silver Spoons, located in the 1900 block of Salemburg Highway in Salemburg, was closing his business for the evening, according to reports from the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office.

The man, reports noted, was locking up the business around 1:47 a.m. early Saturday morning when a suspect approached him, put a handgun to his back and pushed him inside the front door of his business, demanding money.

The owner and the suspect began to tussle with the weapon when both broke free. The owner managed to get to his personal handgun and began firing at the suspect, who fled out the front door.

In shooting at the suspect, the owner struck a front window and damaged a drink machine. The damage was estimated at $1,200.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

The suspect reportedly got into a blue Crown Victoria with three other men. In an attempt to get out of the area quickly, the driver of the vehicle backed into a light pole. Because of the angle of the car, it was unable to move forward, effectively stranding the suspects.

All four of the males jumped out of the car and fled on foot.

Investigators are seeking information on the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance. The only description given was that all the suspects were African-American.

If you have any information on any of the four or if you were in the area at the time of the incident, you are asked to call the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-592-4141.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.