A would-be robber got a surprise on Thursday night when the man he was trying to hold up gave him a lead shower.

Morris Simmons, 49, owns the Variety Shop at 251 W. Washington St., a tiny store that sells everything from sports memorabilia to potato chips.

But the person who came in about 8 p.m. Thursday wasn’t looking to buy.

He came in the door with a handgun and demanded money, Simmons said. He then raised the gun up as if about to fire.

“I didn’t think that was real cute,” Simmons said.

Simmons drew his own weapon and chased the robber out the door with four rounds, he said.

“I inspired him to get out of town,” he said.

The man fled the store, and the glass door and a merchandise rack took the brunt of the bullets.

Simmons has owned the store at that location for about three and a half years. He has had a few break-ins, but never an attempted robbery.

“That’s the first time anybody has tried to rob me,” he said. “Hopefully, it will be the last time.”

Simmons said the man was about 5 feet 8 inches tall and was wearing a light blue hoodie, pulled over his face, with light gray sweatpants.

City spokeswoman Diana Klink said officers responded to the shots fired call and spoke with Morris. The suspect is an unknown black male, she added.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who has information is asked to call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or text the keyword SPDVATIP and the tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters never have to give their names or appear in court, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.