05:39 PM EDT on Thursday, May 11, 2006

By 13News

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A newspaper carrier fired his gun to protect himself from two teenage robbers, he told 13News.

59-year-old "Charlie" said it's the second time in the last few months he's been targeted while on his route.

The first time, his wallet and cell phone were stolen. The suspects haven't been caught.

But that wouldn't be the case Thursday morning. "Charlie" said two teens came out of a bush on Chesapeake Boulevard and made threats. He said he showed his gun in hopes of scaring them off, but it didn't.

"I heard this guy put a bullet in the chamber of his weapon and instead of retreating, now they're coming towards me," he said.

That's when he fired.

"I was shooting to scare because I was scared. As soon as I fired them two shots, I'm trying to get out of there," he added.

Police were called to the scene at Chesapeake Blvd. and Radford Street around 2:50 a.m., but by the time they arrived, the victim was gone.

That teen is under guard at the hospital; the second juvenile suspect is in custody. Both will be charged with attempted robbery, attempted abduction and two counts each of use of firearm in commission of felony and conspiracy.

"Charlie" said it bothers him he had to resort to violence.

"It's really hurting me to know that I injured somebody. I have to bear the fact that these guys were out there to hurt or injure me," he said.