PETALING JAYA, Sept 30 — An armed robber accidentally shot his 22-year-old accomplice while grappling with his victim who was trying to grab the pistol he was holding during an attempted robbery at Mentari Court in Bandar Sunway on Monday evening.

He drove off with two others who had come with him, leaving the injured man behind.

The suspect, who has a criminal record and is a drug addict, is being treated at University Malaya Medical Centre.

Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Azmi Abu Kassim said they seized a semi-automatic pistol, a magazine containing three bullets, and a bullet casing.

“The suspect claimed the gun belonged to his accomplice who got away,” Azmi said.

Azmi said police have identified the three other suspects, and a manhunt was underway.

He said the drama unfolded when the four men got out of a black Perodua Viva and approached the victim but the victim tried to defend himself by grabbing the assailant’s weapon, while they tried to snatch his backpack.

“During the scuffle, the suspect wielding the gun accidentally shot his accomplice.

“The other robbers then fled the scene, taking the victim’s gold ring, and leaving the injured suspect behind,” he said.

Azmi said the case was being investigated for discharging a firearm.