The owner of a Soundview grocery store fatally shot a man who was trying to rob his Morrison Avenue shop, according to police.

They say Jin Jie Chen was licensed to carry the weapon he used to kill attempted robber Daniel Meeks. Authorities are treating the incident as a case of self-defense.

Police say Meeks, who had at least 40 prior arrests, entered the J Market around 10 p.m. Sunday and demanded cash from Chen. They say Meeks tried jumping over the counter, which is when Chen shot the suspect in the head, killing him. Police say Meeks was unarmed.

The investigation into the incident lasted through Monday afternoon. The store was closed during that time.

The Bodega Association says Chen was not harmed during the incident.

Police say Chen has not been arrested. The Bodega Association says Chen was taken to the 43rd Precinct after the incident and was released.

News 12 is told that Chen also owned a Chinese restaurant next to his grocery store but recently sold it.