A Chicago woman used her concealed carry firearm to protect her children from an intruder attempting to break into their South Shore home. Her quick action averted potential harm, highlighting the importance of self-defense and responsible gun ownership.

CHICAGO, IL (3-minute read) — A mother in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood sprang into action Saturday night when a man allegedly attempted to break into her home while her children were inside. The woman, who is a Concealed Carry License (CCL) holder, used her firearm to defend her family and shot the intruder in the leg, preventing a potentially dangerous situation.

Chicago Police responded to a report of a shooting at around 10:45 p.m. in the 2300 block of East 69th Street, where they found the suspect with a gunshot wound. Initially, the man was thought to be a victim, but investigators quickly determined that he had been trying to break into a nearby home. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, explained that she fired the shot when she saw the man attempting to climb through a window in her daughter’s room.

The terrifying incident occurred just after the woman returned home from a family birthday celebration. As her daughter was in the bathroom, she suddenly noticed a hand coming through her window. Alarmed, the girl rushed to alert her mother, who immediately grabbed her firearm and confronted the intruder. Despite warning the man that she was armed, he continued his attempt to enter the house, prompting the mother to fire a single shot.

The intruder was taken to the University of Chicago Hospital in fair condition. The woman, who had owned the firearm for years but had never used it, expressed gratitude that her children were unharmed but admitted that the incident left her shaken.

While the quick action of the mother likely prevented further danger, the event has left her considering moving to a new home for the safety of her family. “I’m thankful we weren’t harmed, and the officers were great last night, but I still feel unnerved,” she said.

The Chicago Police Department has yet to make any formal arrests, though Area One Detectives are actively investigating the case. As of now, the family remains unharmed but is emotionally affected by the night’s events.

Safety Tip:
If you own a firearm, always ensure it’s securely stored but readily accessible in case of an emergency. Train regularly so that you’re confident in your ability to handle it safely under stress.