A masked man was shot outside the Crafty Crab restaurant in St. Petersburg during an attempted carjacking on Wednesday night. The incident took place around 8 p. m. as the victim waited in his car while his wife was inside the restaurant.

A suspect entered the vehicle with the intent to steal it, but the victim quickly reacted by drawing his own gun and firing at the assailant. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Simon White, fled the scene but was later found and taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in critical but stable condition. Police confirmed that White will face charges for attempted carjacking once he is discharged from the hospital. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety and crime in the St. Petersburg area.

Local authorities are investigating further to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation. No additional details have been released, but the police statement emphasized the importance of community vigilance against such crimes.