A late-night stickup on Chicago’s Northwest Side took a sharp turn when a 39-year-old concealed-carry holder opened fire on one of two alleged robbers early Tuesday, wounding a suspect and ending the attempted holdup in the street.
Police say it unfolded around 2:40 a.m. in the 5200-block of West Montana Street. The man was getting out of his car when two males approached. One allegedly pulled a gun and demanded his belongings. The victim, who has a valid concealed-carry license, drew his own firearm and shot one of the suspects, according to ABC7 Chicago.
Officers arrived and took both suspects into custody. The wounded suspect was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital, where he was reported to be in good condition, police said.
Police account
According to the initial police narrative, the 39-year-old had just parked and stepped out of his vehicle when the two suspects walked up. One produced a firearm and allegedly tried to rob him at gunpoint. At that moment, the would-be victim, who is licensed to carry, fired and hit the armed suspect, per ABC7 Chicago.
A pattern in recent defensive encounters
This latest confrontation drops into a growing pile of cases where licensed gun owners in Chicago have opened fire during robberies or attempted robberies. Outcomes in those incidents have ranged from suspects running off empty-handed to suspects landing in the hospital, and they have popped up in several different neighborhoods, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago.
Investigation underway
In this Northwest Side case, officers on the scene arrested both suspects. The injured suspect was transported to Illinois Masonic and listed in good condition. Area Five detectives are handling the follow-up investigation, according to ABC7 Chicago.
Legal context
Under Illinois law, a person may use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or the commission of a forcible felony. The key question is whether that belief was reasonable, as explained by Illinois Legal Aid. Investigators and prosecutors will weigh the physical evidence and witness statements to decide whether this shooting fits that legal standard.
Police have not released the names of the suspects or any charges. This story will be updated if authorities provide additional details.
