2 attempted robbers shot by their purported target on Chicago's West Side, police say
CHICAGO (CBS) — A garbage truck driver shot two men who were trying to rob him Friday morning in the Homan Square neighborhood, killing one and critically wounding the other.
Police said, around 5:15 a.m., two men approached the garbage truck driver while he was working in an alley in the 900 block of South Homan Avenue, pulled out a gun, and announced a robbery.
The 28-year-old garbage truck driver, a concealed carry license holder, pulled out his own gun, leading to a shootout.
One of the would-be robbers, a 42-year-old man, was shot in the head and pronounced dead on the scene. His accomplice, a 20-year-old man, was shot in the neck and taken to a local hospital in critical condition.
The garbage truck driver wasn't shot, but was evaluated at St. Anthony Hospital after complaining of chest pain, and was listed in good condition.
Police were able to confirm the garbage truck driver had a valid Firearm Owner's Identification card and concealed carry license.
Police said two weapons were recovered from the scene. Area Four Detectives are investigating.
Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard Pearson said it's no surprise they've been receiving more and more reports of concealed carry holders defending themselves in serious situations like these.
"As I keep pointing out to people, only the victim and the perpetrator is at the scene of the crime, and so you're on your own," he said. "We're seeing more and more training on people with firearms and firearm safety. So one side effect of the CCL is people are getting safety training with their firearms."
According to Illinois State Police data, more than 128,000 people applied for a license to carry a concealed weapon in Illinois in 2024. That the highest number of applications in at least 10 years, and nearly 19,000 more applicants than in 2023.
Pearson said firearms safety training is likely leading to better outcomes in serious situations like this one.
