Store Owner Survives Being Shot Twice In Rock Hill Robbery Monday

A Charlotte woman is resting at home after she was shot twice inside her own business in Rock Hill.

40-year-old Ping Chen was still conscious when police arrived moments after the gunman left the Saltwater Seafood store on West White Street.

Chen told police a black teenager wearing a blue bandana over his face, and a hoodie walked into the store and pulled a gun.

Chen gave him $300 from the register, and as he turned to leave he shot at her, hitting her in the shoulder. She fell to the floor, and said the man walked to the counter and fired at her again, hitting her left hand as she tried to cover her face.

Police investigator Jerry Waldrop says his intentions were clear.

"All indications are that he was trying to kill her," Waldrop said.

Her husband, who didn't want to give his name, told Eyewitness News that the man didn't have to shoot at his wife.

"She gave him the money. He was just crazy," Chen’s husband said.

Long-time customers say they've always felt safe at the popular seafood market. The store is within walking distance of the police department, just over the railroad tracks from downtown Rock Hill.

Terry Archie says the store owners couldn't be kinder people.

"They're just nice people. They work with you. They're polite, and they're courteous," Archie said.

Police are looking for a black man about 18-years- old, 5’ 7” in height.

He ran from the store after the robbery, but police believe no one other than store employees got a look at him.

The family has owned the fish market for 13 years, and never had a robbery before. The store had no security cameras.

Ping Chen is out of the hospital, and recovering at home in Charlotte.