Authorities in California are looking for a man who opened fire into a Santa Ana restaurant last week in an apparent effort to stop an active robbery attempt.

According to the Orange County Register, a man entered the Cozy Corner Drive-In restaurant early Saturday morning and demanded cash.

Outside, a drive-thru customer reportedly watched the incident unfold and opened fire through the service window, striking the robbery suspect.

The man soon collapsed, having been hit multiple times by gunshots, according to police. He was transported from the scene to an area hospital for treatment and is expected to face charges related to robbery.

Police are also trying to find the shooter, whose actions sparked visible fear in staff and customers seen in surveillance footage of the incident.

One Santa Ana Police Department source expressed serious concern about the shooting, regardless of the customer’s motive in opening fire into the restaurant.

“It was very dangerous, one of the employees could have been shot,” Lt. Michael Claborn said.

Authorities did not provide a description of the suspected shooter. The driver reportedly sped off from the restaurant after firing his weapon.

As KNBC reported, the shooter was alone in a silver sedan at the time.

Cozy Corner Drive-In manager Francisco Reyno shared the officer’s concern and expressed relief that no one else was injured. He also added that the $274 in cash stolen during the robbery had already been returned.

Even with clear evidence of the shooting, including the broken window and holes in the counter, the business remained open throughout the remainder of the day Saturday.

[Featured image: KNBC video screenshot]