Retired CPD officer shot, seriously wounded while breaking up robbery attempt in Greater Grand Crossing
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A retired Chicago police officer is in serious condition following a shooting in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood Thursday morning.
The 60-year-old retired officer was shot outside a currency exchange on 71st and Wentworth around 7:30 a.m., according to fire officials.
CBS 2's Sabrina Franza spoke to the Uber driver who heard gunshots and responded to a different call for help.
"Then I see him alone nobody was with him. I made a U-turn and I went to him to ask him to help him."
Amina Enkimany is an Uber driver. She spoke with that former Chicago police officer, lying on the ground outside the currency exchange... shot multiple times.
"'Are you ok?,' (I asked.) He said yes. I called the ambulance," she said.
In the middle of chaos at 71st and Wentworth, as other cars drove by, she didn't. Why did she stop?
"Because it's human. I would do it for anybody," said Enkimany.
Police said around 7:30 a.m. they got her 911 call. Three robbers had their plan to rob the Currency Exchange. An employee was opening up shop when they made their approach.
The former officer stopped them. Enkimany stayed after police arrived, along with the woman who was opening the store. Both were safe and unharmed.
"Very, very shocked. She screaming the whole time."
She said 'thank you. (You) saved my life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
Chicago Police Deputy Chief Fred Melean said the officer was shot while foiling a robbery attempt at the Currency Exchange.
Even as a retired officer, he did his best, he did his job, he saved that person's life," Melean said.
Police said a 58-year-old woman was outside the store around 7:30 a.m., preparing to open the currency exchange, when a dark-colored SUV pulled up, and two people got out and announced a robbery. The retired officer intervened, leading to an exchange of gunfire with the suspects.
"I think they were waiting to get in to try and get in there and rob it," Melean said.
The retired officer was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was in serious condition, according to Melean.
Police said the currency exchange employee was not wounded, and it's unclear if any of the suspects were shot. Melean said police are looking for a total of three suspects.
Melean said detectives do not yet have a description of the suspects. Detectives were interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance video Thursday morning.
Anyone who might have information on the robbery attempt is asked to call Area 1 detectives at 312-747-8384 or to provide an anonymous tip online at cpdtip.com.
