The owner of a metro dispensary fought back in an attempted armed robbery Tuesday, police said.

According to Oklahoma City police, a robbery suspect was armed with knives and began making demands and destroying boxes.

At last check, the man was hospitalized at OU Health in critical condition. Police and witnesses said this crime is becoming too common.

“They have a product that a lot of people want,” said Al Jenkins, who lives nearby.

“They are cash-only businesses and they have some things that criminals want. Something that can’t be traced like marijuana and then cash,” Oklahoma City Police Lt. Isaac Goodman said.

Jenkins lives near the dispensary at Northwest 23rd and Villa. After hearing a commotion, she went to investigate.

“I just couldn’t understand why an alarm was going off in the building during the day,” Jenkins said.

He said police responded immediately.

“I heard a screech, a screech of tires. “I didn’t know what it was until I turned the corner and it was police officers showing up on the scene,” Jenkins said.

According to police, the armed suspect broke in and began making demands.

“An armed individual entered the interior and began breaking display cases. He was armed with two knives and was threatening the owners inside the business,” Goodman said.

After refusing to leave, police said the business owner took action.

Related: Police: Employee shoots armed robbery suspect at dispensary in northwest OKC

“The homeowner pulled out a gun and shot the suspect in self-defense,” Goodman said.

Theta Hale works at a nearby dispensary and said it’s getting dangerous.

“It is worrying. It makes you think if this is what you want to do,” Hale said.

Police said criminals should think twice.

“Most dispensaries in our city limits have armed personnel because they know it’s a risky business and they also have very elaborate security systems,” Goodman said.

No one else was injured in the shooting.

Police are reviewing surveillance video.