Police critically injured a suspected bank robber after gunning him down in the lobby of a Beverly Hills hotel on Monday.
The shooting took place about 4:20 p.m. at the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, Beverly Hills Police Department officials said.
Investigators said the man had made his way to the hotel after robbing a Bank of America branch 20 minutes earlier. A tracking device on the stolen money led police to the hotel's location on Rodeo Drive.
Cody Brasher arrived at the hotel just as the shootout began.
"We just got out of the cab in front of the hotel. Heard a gunshot then I saw people running out of the hotel, and so I didn't look back, I just ran with everyone else," Brasher said.
Police were tipped off to the robber's location by Rubin Lee, who was immediately suspicious by the man he said was dressed "in black, (with) facial hair and glasses."
"I told them i just saw the guy so I pointed towards 360, its the Luxe Hotel. Within a couple of seconds they all ran, not even 20 seconds from there there was a gunshot," Lee said.
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The man was taken to the hospital, where he was in critical condition and undergoing surgery, police said.
No officers were hurt in the incident. After the shooting it was discovered the suspect had been armed, however he neutralized before he had the chance to open fire.
The man was believed to be one of two people who robbed the bank, which was located about a block from the hotel.
A customer named Louise said she was terrified as the incident took place in front of her eyes.
"The guy gave a letter to the cashier and it was said that this is a robbery. I was so scared. I saw he was wrapped with black bandana," Louise said.
A second person was being questioned about the heist.
Rodeo Drive was shut down between Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards as police investigated.
Willian Avilla also contributed to this article
