The owner of an Alabama jewelry store said he had no choice Wednesday but to fight back when a robbery suspect sprayed the employees with bear spray as she attempted to rob the store.

Jeff Dennis, owner of Jeff Dennis Jewelers in Gardendale, Alabama, posted details about the attempted robbery that ended when he shot the woman trying to rob the store.

Dennis said the woman “made a very poor decision of trying to rob us.”

“The poor decision forced me to take action to protect myself and my employees,” he wrote on social media.

Dennis said the woman sprayed bear spray at the employees and he then used force to stop her.

“The robber has a significant injury but thankfully will recover,” Dennis wrote. “The actions I took were a result of their actions but I am thankful that she will survive and hopefully be able to turn her life around.”

Dennis said he was thankful for the outpouring of prayers and well wishes and praised the fast action of local law enforcement.

“Thank you to the many law enforcement agencies that worked so fast and captured the robber,” he wrote. “Gardendale police officers were on the scene within 60 seconds. Jefferson County helicopter and tracking dogs were here within moments. There were other agencies involved and all of their efforts are much appreciated.”

The unidentified suspect who was shot was detained by police, but had not been officially charged late Wednesday, likely due to her injuries.