An employee at a Far South Side cellphone retailer shot two would-be robbers late Wednesday morning, at least the second time in a week a worker has shot two robbery suspects at a Chicago business, according to police and store officials.

Two men drew handguns as they entered a cellphone store, 2051 E. 95th St., in the Calumet Heights neighborhood around 11 a.m., prompting a worker to take out his own firearm and shoot them, according to an account from employees given to Neil Tadros, who identified himself as the district manager for T-Mobile. 

The employee shot both of the suspects, but they fled the store, got in a car and drove themselves to the hospital, Tadros said. At the time the suspects brandished weapons, employees acted, “pretty much to protect themselves when guns are drawn at them,” Tadros said.

“Thank God for concealed carry.”

The men, ages 24 and 35, walked into South Shore Hospital and were transferred in serious condition to Stroger Hospital, police said. The 35-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm and groin, and the 24-year-old man was shot in the left arm and abdomen, police said.

The two were suspects in the attempted robbery, and charges were pending, police said.

AJ Joudeh, who identified himself as a regional manager for T-Mobile, said the company allows employees with concealed carry licenses to have weapons at work. In the aftermath of Wednesday’s shooting, Joudeh closed the store and sent employees home for the day.

A cellphone store employee with a concealed carry license shot two would-be robbers. Jan. 13, 2016. (Tony Briscoe / Chicago Tribune)

“From what I hear, they’re doing fine,” Joudeh said of the workers.

T-Mobile spokeswoman Annie Garrigan said the store is an independant dealer of T-Mobile products, not owned or operated by the company.

Both Tadros and Joudeh said the clerk had a concealed carry permit, which a police spokesman also confirmed. 

Tadros said he hopes allowing employees to have weapons with a concealed carry license will be a deterrent.

“A lot of people think they can go out and rob people without anyone defending themselves,” Tadros said. “It’s a great thing to have to protect yourself even when you’re not in your business. If you’re out in the streets and someone is threatening your life, you can go out and protect yourself."

On Saturday, a liquor store employee shot and killed two teens, 15 and 17, inside Z&S Food & Liquor, 1351 W. 87th St., when they tried to rob the store around 8:30 p.m., authorities said.

Cops: Liquor store clerk who fatally shot 2 robbers unlikely to face charges

Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi has said the department doesn’t anticipate the liquor store employee will be charged in Saturday's shooting.

Chicago Tribune's Peter Nickeas contributed.