Former professional boxer Vernon “The Viper” Forrest was killed Saturday night when a robbery turned into a gunfire exchange, according to Atlanta Police.

Atlanta Police Detective Lt. Keith Meadows said Forrest was shot seven to eight times in the back after chasing one of the thieves.

The incident began at 11 p.m. at the Chevron on Whitehall Street in Southwest Atlanta when Forrest, 38, stopped to put air in the tires of his Jaguar, said Meadows.

A male suspect approached Forrest and robbed him of a few items at gunpoint, he said. Forrest, who was also armed, chased the suspect to an area near McDaniel and Fulton Streets.

Meadows said there is evidence Forrest used his weapon but did not know if the suspect was shot.

An 11-year-old boy was in the Chevron at the time of the robbery. The boy, who is the son of Forrest’s girlfriend, according to Meadows, was able to provide police with a description of the suspect.

Police are looking for that man and a second suspect who left in a red Monte Carlo, Meadows said.

The boy did not see the shooting, he added.