Fayetteville, N.C. — A gunman shot a 66-year-old man early Friday as he came out of a house at 307 Central Drive and tussled with three men who tried to rob him, police said.

The victim was Curtis Whitted of 1516 Topaz Court, police said. Whitted was  walking to his car when the trio approached him with a rifle, authorities said.

The rifle went off, and a bullet struck Whitted in the stomach, officials said. The bullet exited through his back.

Neighbors came outside after hearing the shot and called 911. Whitted was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Police described his injuries as serious but not believed to be life-threatening.

Police described the suspects only as three black men. They fled in a green Mercury Grand Marquis, police said.

Authorities asked that anyone who can provide information about the shooting call the Fayetteville Police Department at 910-433-1856 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-8477.