Police in the Windy City report the violent criminal entered an O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Calumet Heights around 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon. There the suspect, reported to be between 30 and 40-years-old, allegedly produced a firearm and demanded money from the register. That did not happen.
Instead, the unidentified store manager pulled out his own weapon and fired multiple shots at the alleged robber. Police confirmed the manager had a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card.
Officials report the attempted robber was transported to the University of Chicago hospital in critical condition. He later succumbed to his injuries. The deceased individual has not been identified by law enforcement.
Local media reported several bullet holes in the store’s vestibule and shattered glass littering the front of the building. Witnesses also saw a gun visible near the auto parts store’s entrance, and Chicago detectives were observed taking pictures outside the location.
Many in the violent city have determined that the best way to protect themselves from the current crime spike is through concealed carry. More and more Chicagoans are choosing not to be helpless in the face of rising violence and are applying for permits to carry concealed weapons.
As Dan Eldridge, owner of Maxon’s Shooter’s supplies in Des Plaines told CBS News, “There’s no question people feel unsafe.” Around the start of 2023, Eldridge reported that the concealed carry license (CCL) and pistol training classes offered by his business have seen participation surge 15%. His CCL renewals are up 44%.
There are approximately 450,000 CCL holders in the state.
And he notes there are more publicized incidents where armed civilians defend themselves and their loved ones and property from violent criminals.
“These interactions are going to happen more and more and more as you have more crime and have more people who have chosen to equip themselves to be their own first responders,” Eldridge observed.
That is quite the statement — people choosing to be their own first responders. In the overwhelming majority of violent incidents, law enforcement will rush to the scene only to be able to take down names and file a report. This in no way diminishes their efforts as officers are critical to the safety of the public.
However, it is undeniable that they are not capable of being everywhere they are needed at once. If a would-be violent criminal knows that an officer is nearby, they will almost certainly pick another time or location to commit their act.
That is deterrence, and of course there is value in it. However, the eventual act will come when law enforcement is not around, and as with the O’Reilly Auto Parts location, it is up to the people within the store to fend for themselves.
The manager on Saturday happened to be armed and ready, legally carrying a concealed firearm and able to protect himself and his business. He was in fact his own first responder, and he was well within his constitutional rights to defend life and property with lethal force if necessary.
There is no doubt that the biggest fear in the heart of a violent criminal is crossing a victim who is both armed and ready.
Knowing this, it is up to every individual to avoid being a “soft” target. Proper licensing and training go far towards ensuring that a person does not become a victim. As with this Chicago store manager, victimhood often comes down to a choice.
And on Saturday, this man chose not to become another statistic.
