CALUMET CITY, IL — In the early morning hours of October 6, 2024, a theft at a Walgreens located in the 500 block of Torrence Avenue escalated into a fatal shooting after one of the suspects displayed a firearm.

Calumet City Police responded to a report of retail theft at approximately 2:10 AM. While officers were en route, a follow-up report indicated shots had been fired, and a vehicle was seen fleeing westbound from the scene. Officers located the vehicle shortly after in the 1600 block of Sibley Boulevard. Inside, they discovered a 42-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Officers immediately provided trauma care before the individual was transported to a local trauma center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The preliminary investigation revealed that two individuals, a 42-year-old male and a 48-year-old female, attempted to steal merchandise from the Walgreens. Store employees confronted both suspects after they exited without paying. While employees managed to recover the stolen items from the woman, who then fled on foot, the confrontation with the male suspect turned violent.

When approached, the 42-year-old male brandished a firearm. In response, one of the store employees, a concealed carry permit holder, fired his weapon, striking the suspect in the chest. The wounded suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle before being located by police a short distance away.

Calumet City Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident, and authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Calumet City Police Department.

In incidents like this, it’s important to note that some major retailers, including Walgreens, have policies that prohibit employees from carrying firearms while on the job. While the employee in this case had a concealed carry permit and successfully defended himself and others against an armed threat, it’s unclear whether he was in violation of company policy. If so, he could face termination despite acting in self-defense. This highlights a potential conflict between personal safety and corporate policies that restrict employees from being armed in dangerous situations.

A similar situation occurred in 2011, when a former Walgreens employee in Michigan was fired after using his legally owned firearm to defend himself during an armed robbery. The employee later filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, arguing that the company’s no-gun policy put his life at risk. Cases like these emphasize the importance of reviewing workplace policies and understanding the legal and personal risks employees face when trying to protect themselves.

This incident underscores the importance of lawful concealed carry for self-defense, especially in environments where public interaction and potential threats are common. For those working in retail or other high-risk environments, knowing your rights and adhering to local and corporate regulations is vital to staying safe.