A recent incident in Portage Park left a 57-year-old man injured after he was shot in the leg by a car burglar he confronted on Saturday night. The shooting took place in the 5800 block of West Cornelia Avenue at around 9:45 p.m. According to Chicago police, the victim caught someone breaking into his car and approached the suspect. In response, the thief pulled out a pistol and fired multiple rounds, hitting the man in the left leg. The victim was rushed to Loyola Hospital and is currently in fair condition.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the gunman fled east through the alley between Cornelia and Newport avenues. Descriptions provided by witnesses indicated that the suspect was a White male wearing a baseball cap and black clothing.
This incident adds to a series of shootings involving car burglars in the city this year, with varying outcomes for the victims. In March, a concealed carry holder shot a 21-year-old man attempting to break into his car on the Far South Side. In April, a 38-year-old concealed carry holder was shot in the back and buttocks during a shootout with car burglars in South Shore. Another concealed carry holder in Pilsen was shot in the leg during a similar incident in April. Additionally, an off-duty Chicago police officer engaged in a shootout with car burglars in West Lawn in April, sustaining a minor injury to his ear.
As incidents like these continue to occur, it is important for residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.