An 80-year-old man shot one of two offenders who forced their way into his home near O’Hare International Airport at around 10:30 a.m. Monday, according to the Chicago Police Department.
When the victim heard a knock on the door of his residence on the 8500 block of W. Catherine Avenue, he opened it and a male offender and female offender “made entry without permission,” according to police.
“Once inside, a physical altercation ensued,” said the department. “The victim, who is a FOID card holder, fired a shot in the offenders’ direction, striking one of the offenders.”
In Illinois, residents are required to obtain a FOID card in order to possess firearms or ammunition, according to the Illinois State Police Department.
After the victim shot one of the offenders, Chicago police said both fled the scene and “self-transported” themselves to Resurrection Medical Center, around an eight-minute drive from the crime scene.
Law enforcement identified the alleged offender who was struck as the male who attempted to enter the Catherine Avenue home. He reportedly sustained one gunshot wound to his chest and was listed in critical condition. Authorities said the female offender was not injured.
Although the suspects fled the scene, the victim was left “battered and sustained several injuries” throughout his body. He was transported to Resurrection Medical Center in critical condition.
People in the victim’s neighborhood described him as friendly, quiet and reserved, said CBS News.
Both alleged perpetrators were in custody as of Monday and charges were pending. Area Five detectives were investigating, said the Chicago Police Department.
“I’m glad that he protected himself,” said Kenny Vierneisel, a nearby resident, according to CBS News. “If someone breaks into my apartment, I’m going to do the same thing. Right?”
“I am really heartbroken for him and the family, because he was at home alone and he must’ve been really scared when it happened,” said a woman who spoke to the station and asked to remain anonymous. “You never know if someone’s going to come to help you in time, so this could’ve ended really badly.”
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