GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Genesee County authorities say a paramedic shot an armed robbery suspect several times after the man refused to drop his gun, then proceeded to treat him.

Sheriff Robert J. Pickell didn't identify the paramedic but said he's proud of him and says he did what he's trained to do – protect the public.

The county sheriff's paramedic is a military reservist and sharpshooter who served in Iraq.

Authorities said a Flint man held up a gas station Monday in Grand Blanc Township.

He then led police on a chase that involved a hit-and-run accident on Interstate 475 near Hill Road and ended when police used a precision immobilization technique, or PIT maneuver, to strike the back of the suspect's SUV.

The paramedic was one of several local law enforcement officers from Genesee County, including state police officers, who pursued the suspect down I-75.

Police said they attempted use a Taser gun to stun the suspect, but missed him.

Police said when the suspect refused to drop his weapon or respond to officers, the paramedic fired several shots.

The 28-year-old suspect was hospitalized and last listed in critical condition.