A confrontation between two men outside the Thorntons at 23rd Street and Cicero Avenue in Cicero turned violent Wednesday morning, ending in gunfire and sending both men to the hospital, town officials said.
According to town spokesman Steve Patterson, what started as a quarrel escalated into a physical fight, and one of the men was shot. Officials did not specify how the second man was injured during the scuffle, CBS Chicago reported. Both men were taken to area hospitals, where they were later stabilized, according to town officials.
Police were seen impounding a car and a tow truck at the station, though Patterson told reporters the shooting was not related to a tow-truck driver, per CBS Chicago. Town officials said the incident appears to be isolated and that there is no broader threat to the community.
Gas-station violence in recent years
Cicero has seen bloodshed at gas pumps before. In December 2023, a shooting at a Shell station near West Roosevelt Road and South Central left one man dead and another critically injured, according to ABC7 Chicago. That incident also began as a verbal altercation that escalated into gunfire, a grim reminder of how quickly disputes outside businesses can turn dangerous.
Investigation and what officials say
Officers remained at the Thorntons station Wednesday morning, impounding vehicles and gathering evidence as the investigation got underway, CBS Chicago reported. As of Wednesday afternoon, no arrests had been announced and police had not released any suspect descriptions. Town officials said they would share more information as the investigation develops.
What to watch next
For now, Cicero leaders are urging residents to stay calm, stressing that there is no ongoing public-safety threat tied to this incident. This story will be updated if Cicero police or town officials release additional details or announce any arrests.
