A jewelry store owner in Riverside, Calif., was shot and critically wounded during a robbery in front of his home, according to media reports.

Two persons escaped with jewelry and bags of gold, police told The Press-Enterprise newspaper during the holdup, which happened on Nov. 21 at approximately 7:50 p.m. Police suspect that the robbers knew he was carrying the valuable merchandise.

The jeweler, who police did not identify, was shot four times.

Police reportedly recovered the getaway car, which is described as a gray compact. The car was reportedly stolen.

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance reported the robbery Tuesday in its “Crime Alert” electronic newsletter. In its report, JSA recommended that retail jewelers leave their goods in their safe at their store overnight rather than bringing goods home.

JCK