CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Security guards have a difficult job. They do not have a badge, yet are expected to provide similar levels of protection as a police officer. Because of this, they have to be very careful how they engage other people. They simply do not have the legal leeway as police do in handling bad guys. However, this security guard made the right call when he used lethal force during a confrontation.
A 49-year-old man was shot and killed by a security guard at a restaurant Saturday in Montclare on the Northwest Side. The guard shot Roberto Gonzales during an “armed confrontation” at 1:47 a.m.
Via Chicago Sun Times
Gonzales was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said.
An autopsy determined that Gonzales died of a gunshot wound to the neck and ruled his death a homicide, the medical examiner’s office said.
Two weapons were recovered at the scene, police said. The guard was questioned by police and was later released without being charged, police said. The circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation.
This is not the first time this restaurant has had problems with violent crime. In 2017 a man was killed and another injured at the restaurant during an armed robbery attempt. It was because of this incident that the restaurant decided to hire security guards.
I’ve said before that it’s a sad indictment of our society that we require armed security at dining locations. Nonetheless, it is a reality that some restaurants and some neighborhoods have to deal with. Kudos to the restaurant in making the right call with hiring armed security. A repeat of their 2017 robbery could have happened, with more customer fatalities.
Police are still sorting out the details surrounding the shooting. After speaking to witnesses and the security guard, they are not pressing charges. This is clearly a case of self defense. Let’s hope the restaurant owner gives this guy a raise!