When an armed suspect attempted a stickup at an auto parts store in Chicago, it would seem that he made at least one gross miscalculation. It cost the would-be robber, big time.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts store at 91st and South Stony Island in the Chicago neighborhood of Calumet Heights became the scene of a shooting on a Saturday afternoon. According to reports, shots were fired after a would-be robber entered the premises and flashed a firearm. The man, who was said to be between the age of 30 and 40 years old, demanded that the manager hand over money from the store’s cash register, but the manager gave the suspect something he likely never saw coming instead.
It would seem that the would-be robber had made a gross miscalculation, likely assuming a store in Chicago would be an easy target for a broad-daylight robbery due to the strict gun laws the city and state are infamous for having. Unfortunately for this misguided suspect, the manager was about to show him that not all innocent Illinois citizens are unarmed sitting ducks. As it turns out, the manager was a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) cardholder, and just like the suspect, he was also armed.
Fearing for his life after the would-be robber flashed a firearm, the armed O’Reilly Auto Parts manager, whose name was not immediately disclosed, pulled out his own gun and effectively turned the tables on the suspect. The manager preceded to open fire, successfully thwarting the crime by shooting the armed robber dead. Although the suspect was rushed to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition, he eventually succumbed to his injuries, according to the Chicago police.
In video footage from the scene of the shooting, several bullet holes are seen littering the vestibule at the O’Reilly Auto Parts store. The footage also shows crime scene tape around the building, blood on the sidewalk outside the shop, shattered glass on the ground, as well as a gun near the store’s entrance. Detectives were also seen taking photos in front of the auto parts store.
Police did not immediately publicly identify the deceased man, but it was reported that no charges were being filed against the store manager, who seemingly acted in self-defense, The Blaze reported. The outlet further pointed out that this was just one of several robberies foiled by a good guy with a gun in a short timeframe.
Fox News echoed similar sentiments, reporting, “The incident comes as many Chicago residents have become concealed carry holders.” The outlet further explained, “A Fox News Digital analysis based on local media reports going back to 2020 found at least 44 incidents where individuals with a gun – who had concealed carry permits or an FOID, an Illinois identification card used for gun possession and purchase – have thwarted an attack or other crime.”
Indeed, we see stories time and again from all across the country, where a good guy or gal with a gun is able to protect themselves, their loved ones, and/or their property by exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms. As cities report a “relentless wave” of robberies that have forced many of them to sleep in their businesses in hopes of deterring crime, it’s easy to see why one would choose to arm themselves.
With robbers “in and out in 15 minutes,” police officers are often at a disadvantage. As the old saying goes, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away — and it’s no fault of their own. Our law enforcement officers simply can’t be everywhere at once, but thanks to the Second Amendment, our business owners and innocent citizens don’t have to be sitting ducks at the mercy of criminals.
