PINE HILLS, Fla. -- A gas station owner in Central Florida who was sleeping in his business after a rash of crimes in the area shot and killed a man trying to break into his store early Friday morning, according to sheriff's deputies.

Investigators said someone apparently began to break into the Citgo gas station located at the corner of Pine Hills and Silverstar Road at about 2:30 a.m.

The owner said when he was awakened by glass breaking he grabbed a gun and opened fire, shooting 14 times.

Police said the culprit was able to flee the business after being shot but was found dead after collapsing in a nearby parking lot.

The owner, who did not want to be identified, said he did not regret using lethal force.

"One way or another, he had to go down," the owner said. "His days were numbered. If it were not me, he would get somebody. And if he had a weapon, I would have gone down."

The owner said there have been 14 break-ins in the last two weeks.

Police said the business owner acted in self-defense but were checking surveillance video and still investigating the case.

The owner said he has slept at the station for the last 10 days to stop any crime at the station.

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