VISTA, Calif. - A shooting that possibly occurred during a residential robbery left a man gravely wounded early Thursday at an apartment complex near National University Academy.

The gunfire in the 2100 block of University Drive in Vista erupted about 12:30 a.m., according to sheriff's officials.

Deputies arrived in the area to find the victim on the ground, suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds, Lt. Glenn Giannantonio said. Medics took the man, whose identity was withheld, to Palomar Medical Center, where he was admitted in critical condition.

The motive for the shooting was unclear, though a robbery at a nearby residence was reported shortly before the shots rang out, the lieutenant said. Witnesses reported seeing two people running off following the gunfire, according to Giannantonio.

No suspect descriptions were released.