Two deaf men were shot and wounded this morning in a Hill District alley during a robbery attempt.

The victims, both 24, were in stable condition at Mercy Hospital.

The men, who are from outside the city, told police through a sign-language interpreter that they had parked their car on Pride Street and were on their way to an after-hours establishment on Fifth Avenue when they were accosted by a man brandishing a handgun, Lt. Kevin Kraus said.

The would-be robber forced the men into an alley called Our Way.

But, Lt. Kraus said, the victims tried to fight back, which precipitated gunfire.

The attacker shot one man twice in the left leg, the victims told police. He shot the other man in the buttocks and then in the back of the head while the victim was on the ground, Lt. Kraus said.

The bullet did not penetrate the man's skull.

Lt. Kraus said the gunman ran away.

Both victims were taken to the hospital, where they were conscious and alert, Lt. Kraus said.

Nothing was stolen from them.

The assailant is described as black, in his 40s, and wearing a green jacket.

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