Man shot during catalytic converter theft on Chicago's Northwest Side
CHICAGO (CBS) — A man was shot in Jefferson Park early Thursday morning after trying to disrupt an attempted catalytic converter theft.
Police said a 22-year-old man heard a loud disturbance and went outside to check it out, in the 5900 block of Eastwood Avenue. The victim was shot by a man who drove off in a white sedan.
CBS Chicago confirmed there was a catalytic converter theft underway when the victim went outside. His family said he attempted to interrupt a theft operation.
The victim is expected to recover from his physical injuries. His brother, who asked his identity not be revealed, said he is recovering at home after the suspect fired at least 30 to 40 rounds.
"Something as little as a catalytic converter being stolen turned into a whole shootout," he said.
He said that when his brother came out of the family home to check the noise, he "opened the door on them and told them, 'Yo, we're going to call the cops. You guys should probably get out of here.'"
But that didn't stop the suspects. That's when his brother heard the commotion and stepped outside and was shot one in the shoulder and once in the leg.
The victim's brother added, "Right when he opens the backdoor of the gangway, he just starts spraying and after that, he realized he was hit trying to flee the scene, you know."
Ring camera video showed the suspects coming back after the shooting to pick up their tools.
Several evidence markers with shell casings lined the street in the aftermath of the shooting. Bullet holes were visible on a red garage door, a fence, plant pots, a gutter, and the roof of a car.
"We are from Chicago," the brother of the victim said. "And this [expletive] happens all day, everyday. It's not just us. We're just lucky to have him with us right now."
No arrests have been made. Police are searching for the shooter.
