A robbery suspect was hospitalized under guard while awaiting arraignment on charges that he tried to rob a market in Braddock on Thursday.

Allegheny County police said the suspect, Royal Griffith, instead became the victim when he was wounded by his own pistol.

Mr. Griffith was in Al's Market on Braddock Avenue at about 4:50 p.m., when he showed the handgun and walked behind the counter.

He pointed the gun at the owner, Albert Handza, announced his intentions, and the owner fought back. During the struggle, the gun discharged, with Mr. Griffith hit twice. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian, where he was in fair condition yesterday, a hospital spokeswoman said.

He was to be arraigned on charges of robbery and aggravated assault, county police Superintendent Charles Moffatt said.

No charges are pending against Mr. Handza.