A would-be robber shot by a Tampa store owner Monday morning has died, according to police.

According to Tampa Police officials, the 16-year-old suspect was shot inside Baker's Mini Mart at 2504 Armenia Avenue.

Officers say he was attempting to rob the store. The suspect later died at St. Joseph's Hospital.

According to police, the suspect walked into the store at 10:45 a.m. and asked the owner, identified as 31-year-old Taquanda Baker, for change for a bill.

Police say he returned 30 minutes later armed with a handgun and pointed it at Baker who was standing behind the counter.

“He pulled out a gun. I reached in my pocket and pulled mine out. But as I pulled out mine, it fired off," Baker said. "So, I’m thinking it was going to scare him but when I turned to look he still had the gun pointed at my shoulder probably and I just shot again and it hit him and he dropped his gun and stumbled back and he just fell on the floor.”

She ran out of the store and flagged down a Tampa Police officer who was driving south on Armenia Avenue. Baker was not injured.

Baker's mother said her daughter has held a concealed weapons permit for the three years she has owned the store. Baker is a mother of three.

"It's dangerous out there. You've got to protect yourself," said Brenda Davis, Baker's mother.

A family friend said she did what she had to do.

"She protected herself,” said James Taylor. “Is the law against that? No."

Baker’s family and friends are relieved she wasn't shot first.

"In my heart, I'm happy it wasn't them ‘cause her parents would have to suffer. The victim he chose his way out. That's the way he wanted to go out," Taylor said.

Baker was questioned but has not been charged with anything. At this point, it appears to be a case of self-defense.

UPDATE: Woman shot and killed, man critically wounded sitting in car

Officials have identified a man and woman shot as they sat in a vehicle on East Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa early Sunday morning.