The robbery happened at Under the Apple Tree, a deli on the 6700 block of Elmwood Avenue.
The store owner did not want to be identified but says she is grateful to Rasheed Banire, the victim."To risk your life like that, I think its people we need in this community, in America," she said.
According to police, 23-year-old Marcus Jordan, armed with a handgun, entered the store just after 10:30 Friday night.
"The first thing I saw was the gun, I didn't wait after that I ran to the back," said the store owner.
Jordan allegedly robbed six people inside.
"All of a sudden I saw him with a gun," said Dapu Ledigu.
Ledigu was one of those people. He gave the suspect his wallet and cell phone and others did the same.
That's when Banire rushed after the suspect.
"One of the victims of the robbery jumped into his personal vehicle then he got to 68th and Buist where the offender fired multiple times," said Lt. Johnnie Walker.
One of those bullets pierced Banire's shoulder and got lodged behind his heart.
Nearby police later caught Jordan on the 2600 block of Massey Street.
Police say he tossed his gun but they were able to recover the stolen weapon.
Sources also say Jordan admitted to the crime.
Meanwhile, friends of Banire are grateful that he is alive.
"Without him I don't think we would have actually caught the guy," said Ledigu.
Banire remains at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in serious condition.
Jordan faces charges for six counts of robbery and one count of attempted murder. He remains behind bars on $2 million bail.
