Country singer Jay Allen was the victim of armed robbery at a Nashville grocery store.

The former The Voice contestant took to social media, letting fans know he is OK.

“I got held up at a grocery store in East Nashville a few days ago,” Allen posted. I’m OK (besides being out a few bucks), but it was the feeling that I couldn’t get over. Even with having a muscular stature and being covered in tattoos, it didn’t matter. … He had a gun, and I didn’t.

“I felt helpless, taken advantage of, and mad at myself more than anything.

Because of the incident, Allen said he made a decision to buy a gun.

“I’ve always been on the fence about guns, but today I’m a proud new gun owner,” he said. “It’s strictly for self-defense, and I will NEVER feel that way again.

“Thank you to my best bud (who is also a Veteran) for taking the time to train me, so I can now safely protect myself.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.