Would-be robber shot by 85-year-old

SHENANDOAH, Fla., Jan. 21 (UPI) -- An 85-year-old Shenandoah, Fla., man reportedly shot and wounded an alleged would-be car thief Monday in order to protect his grandson.

Miami police said a 29-year-old robbery suspect was allegedly trying to steal a car when the owner, who was armed, confronted him, the Miami Herald reported.

The two engaged in a "vicious fight," said police spokesman William Moreno.

The car owner's grandfather, Florentino Jauregui, also armed, rushed out of the house and "fearing his grandson was being overpowered," shot the thief once, added Moreno.

The shooting could be ruled justified under Florida's self-defense law.

"He was not protecting property but was protecting bodily injury to his own grandson. The investigation is preliminary but it appears he might be covered under that law," Moreno said.

The wounded man is also suspected of robbing a woman of her purse.