Another Social Media Sale Meetup, Another Shooting, Concealed Carrier Saves His Own Life

CHIGAGO, ILLINOIS – A concealed carrier shot a man who had just shot him during a shoe sale gone sour, according to Chicago police. The incident occurred in the 900 block of North Lawndale Avenue in the Humboldt Park area around 8:45 pm Tuesday.

A 28-year-old man met with an 18-year-old man to buy a pair of shoes. During the meetup, the younger man asked to see the money before handing over the shoes. When the buyer reached in his pocket for the cash, the seller drew a handgun and shot the victim in the shoulder, according to police.

The victim, a concealed carry license holder, drew his gun and returned fire as the suspect attempted to flee the scene in his car. During his getaway, the suspect crashed his car into an unoccupied parked car.

Officers apprehended the suspect, who suffered a gunshot wound to the hand. He was transported to nearby Stroger Hospital for treatment of his wound and was listed in good condition. The victim, also listed in good condition, was taken to Stroger for treatment of his shoulder wound. Area Four detectives are investigating the case and charges are likely against the younger male suspect.

Meetups arranged on social media sites are often setups for robberies. Individuals are advised to avoid such situations if possible, or to meet in well-lighted and high traffic public areas with video surveillance cameras. Although this victim was a legal concealed carrier, he could not prevent himself from being shot. Fortunately, he was able to return fire and fend off the suspect, but if the first shot had hit him in the head or chest instead of the shoulder, he could have died before having the opportunity to draw his firearm in a defensive act.

Having a concealed carry permit or license and a gun is no guarantee that you won’t be injured or killed by someone else with a gun, knife or other improvised weapon.