Holly MatkinChicago, IL – A 78-year-old retired Chicago police officer was shot while trying to stop a thief from carjacking his neighbor early Wednesday morning.
The incident took place in the 300-block of North Mayfield Avenue in the Austin neighborhood at approximately 1:45 a.m. on May 24, WLS reported.
Police said a retired Chicago police officer stepped in when he saw his 52-year-old neighbor getting carjacked, WGN reported.
That’s when the suspect allegedly began shooting at him, according to police.
The retired officer immediately returned fire, WGN reported.
“I got a 24-hour business and I was up,” another local resident told WLS. “I heard shots around 1:45 a.m., about seven to eight shots, rapidly. I tried to run out to see what it was, but it was too late.”
The 78-year-old retired cop suffered a graze wound to his left thumb during the shootout, police confirmed.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he was listed in good condition.
A retired Chicago Police Officer was shot this morning while assisting a neighbor who was being carjacked.
We are praying for officers' speedy recovery and healing🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/BqPfSn3EU6— ChiCook Officers (@CookOfficer) May 24, 2023
The owner of the vehicle was not injured during the carjacking or the shootout, WGN reported.
At least one gun was recovered at the scene, according to police.
The unidentified suspect still managed to take off with the neighbor’s Jeep, but he ultimately crashed the stolen vehicle into a parked car in the 600-block of North Waller, WGN reported.
News footage from the scene of the collision showed massive damage to both vehicles.
Police said the gunman fled the scene and has not been apprehended.
Chicago Police Department (CPD) Area Four detectives are handling the ongoing investigation, according to WLS.
They urged anyone with any information about the incident to contact their department immediately, according to WGN.
