Police said a robbery suspect in Memphis shot himself in the neck while trying to steal a car from a local dealership Friday.

Authorities said Joshua Garvins, 26, was charged with aggravated robbery after he pulled a gun on a dealership employee and demanded he hand over a set of car keys.

Police said Mr. Garvins was acting as if he was going to legitimately purchase the car and went on a test drive with the employee. 

The employee, however, told police he was on guard around the suspect because Mr. Garvins was “acting peculiar.”  

When the test drive was over and the employee took the car keys with him, authorities said Mr. Garvins threatened to kill the victim and the two began fighting over the keys.

Police said Mr. Garvins drew the firearm at some point during the fight and the employee started wrestling with the suspect over control of the gun.

Authorities said Mr. Garvins was shot in the neck when the weapon was fired during the fight.

Police said the suspect sprinted off, but was quickly arrested by nearby officers.

Mr. Garvins is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.