CHICAGO, IL — A legally armed garbage collector defended himself against two armed robbers outside an elementary school on Friday morning, shooting both attackers and killing one.

According to local media, the 28-year-old sanitation worker, who possesses a valid concealed carry license, was collecting trash in an alley next to DRW College Prep on South Homan Avenue when he was confronted by two men. The suspects displayed a firearm and attempted to rob him.

An exchange of gunfire ensued between the suspects and the worker. The garbage collector was unharmed, but both assailants were struck. A 42-year-old suspect collapsed about 20 feet from the school’s entrance and was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the head. Police records indicate he had a lengthy criminal history, including a conviction for a 2008 armed robbery just blocks away.

The second suspect, a 20-year-old man, suffered a gunshot wound to the neck and was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition. Authorities recovered two handguns and seven shell casings at the scene.

The garbage collector was taken to St. Anthony Hospital for evaluation but did not sustain any injuries. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Who tries to rob a garbage collector? It’s an unusual crime, but this case underscores the importance of carrying a firearm for self-defense, especially for those working in public-facing jobs. Many employers prohibit their workers from carrying firearms, even if they legally possess a permit. Unfortunately, we’ve reported on cases where employees were fired for defending themselves while on duty. Hopefully, that won’t be the case here.

For a discussion on workplace carry policies, check out this article: Carrying a Gun at Work.