Cops thwarted a robbery in South of Market on Sunday night and shot at the alleged thief after he drew a gun, police Sgt. Michael Andraychak said.

Derryck King, 39, of Hayward was arrested on charges of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon after trying to steal a 30-year-old woman’s purse, Andraychak said.  

The officers were driving through the intersection of Mission and Fremont streets about 10:40 p.m. when they heard a woman scream, Andraychak said.

Upon investigation, they saw a woman struggling with King, Andraychak said. The woman broke free from King, who then pulled out a handgun.

One of the officers fired a shot at King, who dropped his gun and was arrested without further incident, Andraychak said.

Neither the woman nor the suspect was injured, police said. Police believe they interrupted only a robbery attempt, but the investigation is ongoing.

The incident is being investigated by the Police Department’s homicide detail, which probes officer-involved shootings, along with internal affairs, the District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Citizen Complaints, all of which is standard procedure.

rnagle@sfexaminer.com