CHICAGO, IL — A robbery turned deadly Saturday afternoon in the Back of the Yards neighborhood when an armed suspect was shot with his own weapon during a confrontation with his intended victim.

The incident occurred around 2:51 p.m. in the 1500 block of West Garfield Boulevard. Chicago police reported that a 43-year-old man was approached by the armed offender, who demanded his property. The situation escalated when the victim and the suspect struggled over the firearm.

During the struggle, the suspect, whose age remains unknown, was shot with his own gun. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police are continuing their investigation, and the victim has not been charged. The case will be reviewed by local authorities and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Yes, weapon disarms are very dangerous, but thankfully the victim wasn’t injured. Engaging in a physical struggle over a firearm is always a high-risk situation and should be a last resort. While this incident ended with the victim unharmed, such encounters are unpredictable and can quickly turn deadly. Training in situational awareness and understanding when to comply versus when to act can improve safety. If carrying a firearm, ensure you are trained in retention techniques to prevent disarmament. Always prioritize your safety and seek lawful means to protect yourself.