Robbery Suspect Shot by Motel Clerk

SANTA ANA —  A motel clerk surprised a would-be armed robber early Sunday, shooting him in both legs and scaring off his accomplice, police said.

The incident began when two men entered the lobby of the Best Western Motel, 2600 N. Main St., at 5:54 a.m. and inquired about renting a room, Police Cpl. Steve Hawkins said. One of the suspects then jumped the counter and pulled out a .22-caliber handgun, Hawkins said.

The 36-year-old motel clerk, whose name was not available, pulled a 9-millimeter handgun, and there was an exchange of gunfire, Hawkins said.

The suspect, identified as Paul Anthony Brown, 21, of Inglewood, was wounded in both legs. The second man fled and the clerk was unhurt, police said.

Brown was transported to UCI Medical Center in Orange and later to Western Medical Center in Anaheim where he was in stable condition, Hawkins said. Brown will be charged with attempted robbery, Hawkins said. There are no charges expected against the clerk, he said.

Police said the suspects match the descriptions of men involved in three robberies that occurred Saturday in Cypress, Anaheim and Orange.