Marijuana dispensary employee shot during attempted robbery in Riverside

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- A marijuana dispensary employee suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot by robbery suspects in Riverside early Saturday morning.

Riverside police responded to the 7800 block of Cypress Avenue around 3:11 a.m. on reports of a shooting at the Riverside Cannabis Club Marijuana Dispensary. When officers arrived, they found a male employee suffering from gunshot wounds inside the business.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery, authorities said.

A preliminary investigation revealed an unknown number of suspects entered the business in an attempt to rob the place. The suspects were confronted by the employee, police said, and they all exchanged gunfire.

The suspects then fled from the business in an unknown direction. No description of the suspects was released.

The investigation was ongoing.

Anyone with more information was asked to call Detective Dave Johansen at (951) 353-7243 or Detective Eric Meier at (951) 353-7242.