UPDATE: Liquor Store Owner Shot Shoplifter in Self Defense, Police Say

A North Bellmore liquor store owner shot at two shoplifters in self defense, Nassau police said, wounding one of the would-be thieves.

Police say the owner at Newbridge Wine and Liquors, the liquor store connected to Bellmore Beverage, located at 1377 Newbridge Road, fired shots at three men who fled the scene at 6:35 p.m.

Three black men entered the store and tried to conceal liquor bottles in their clothes, police said. The owner, who is licensed to carry a handgun in Nassau County, followed them out with his weapon drawn. Police said he told the three to stop, and one of the shoplifters fled on foot down Newbridge Road. The other two entered a 2015 Toyota Corolla and attempted to drive away.

The store owner reached in through an open driver-side window and attempted to remove the keys from the ignition. The driver, Jamik Q. Cannon, 23, of Hempstead, put the car in reverse and began to drive, dragging the store owner with them for about 20 feet.

In fear for his life, police said the store owner fired his gun, a Smith and Wesson .38, twice. One bullet struck Cannon in the shoulder. Police have not yet found where the second shot struck. The two shoplifters exited the car and ran off. The store owner was not injured.

Cannon was later located in a hospital where he was placed under arrest by Nassau police. Cannon was charged with second-degree robbery, third-degree robbery and second-degree reckless endangerment. Police also determined he was involved with a robbery from another liquor store in May, located in Baldwin. He was charged with petit larceny for that incident. Cannon is still hospitalized and will be arraigned as soon as medically practical, police said.

The owner is a former NYPD officer, and Nassau Police say he won't face any charges, since they say he was the victim in the incident.

An employee at the liquor store told Patch Tuesday morning that the store had "no comment" on the incident.

Police are still looking for the two other shoplifters. One is described as a stocky black man with a beard. The other is tall and lean.

Detectives ask that anyone with information about the incident contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Photo: Nassau County Police Department.