The robber shot first, but victim hit harder

Fort Lauderdale police identified the armed robbery suspect who came out on the bullet-heavy end of Tuesday morning’s mini-mart shootout as 30-year-old Curtis Sanders.

One count of armed robbery, one count of attempted murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon await Sanders once he recovers from the shots he sustained in Tuesday’s robbery attempt.

Police say the investigation so far seems to show Sanders approached the clerk at the Comet Food Market, 830 SW 27th Ave., and demanded money. Though Sanders backed up his demand with a drawn gun, the clerk reached for his own gun. Sanders’ shot to the face struck first. But the clerk shot Sanders several times.

The clerk’s injuries required a hospital visit, but weren’t life endangering. Once police located Sanders, he was taken to Broward General Medical Center. He’s in stable condition.

Sanders served five years, seven months and eight days from 2008-2013 on four burglary charges and two grand theft charges.

This story was originally published October 12, 2016 at 4:23 PM with the headline "The robber shot first, but victim hit harder."