Thanksgiving morning in Avondale started with sirens of a different kind when three Chicago firefighters were held at gunpoint outside their own station after trying to stop an attempted car theft. The confrontation unfolded just as crews were settling into a 24-hour shift at Engine 91, near Diversey Avenue and Pulaski Road. Nobody was hurt, but the holiday scare shook neighbors and city officials on the Northwest Side.
What happened
According to CWBChicago, the trouble started shortly after 7:15 a.m. when four men were spotted breaking into a firefighter's Dodge Charger parked in front of the station at 2827 North Pulaski Road. Three firefighters walked outside to confront the group, only to have the suspects pull out handguns.
The thieves did not fire, but they reportedly pointed their weapons before jumping into an SUV and speeding north. The Charger was left behind, and no injuries were reported.
Police response and investigation
Chicago police confirmed the attempted theft and the armed confrontation, saying detectives from Area 5 are handling the case, according to local television coverage. CBS Chicago reports that the firefighters called 911 and officers canvassed the surrounding blocks, but there were no arrests at the time of their report.
Authorities have not released detailed descriptions of the suspects, saying only that the men had their faces covered.
Neighbors and elected officials react
Residents told CBS Chicago they were stunned that armed thieves would target a vehicle parked at a firehouse. One neighbor summed up the mood with a blunt assessment: "nobody is safe."
Ald. Jim Gardiner, a former firefighter, highlighted the incident on social media and noted that the crew had only just started its shift when they found the masked suspects at the Charger. Community members said the scare piles onto growing worries about bold thefts and break-ins involving parked cars across the area.
What’s next
Police described the case as an active investigation and said Area 5 detectives are following up on tips from the neighborhood, according to local reports. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Chicago police Area 5 detectives.
