CHICAGO, IL — A 58-year-old concealed carry permit holder shot a teenage suspect during an attempted vehicle break-in early Monday morning in the city’s Roseland neighborhood, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Police were called to the 9400 block of South Indiana Avenue around 3:43 a.m. after multiple 911 callers reported hearing gunfire and a car alarm. Shortly after, a woman contacted authorities and reported that her boyfriend had fired at someone who was trying to steal their vehicle.

Responding officers located a 17-year-old male at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds to his right forearm and left knee. Officers applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding before paramedics transported the teen to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition.

Investigators say the incident began when the car owner heard his alarm and went outside to investigate. He discovered the driver’s side window of his white Honda Accord shattered and saw two individuals inside the vehicle. One of the suspects allegedly displayed a firearm, prompting the car owner—who possesses a valid FOID card and concealed carry license—to open fire.

The second suspect fled eastbound and entered a gray Dodge Caravan that continued east on 94th Street. As of this report, no additional arrests have been announced.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in directly confronting suspected criminals. While this concealed carrier was legally armed and not physically harmed, he faced at least two individuals—one reportedly armed—during a tense and unpredictable situation. The situation could have ended much differently.

While property crimes can evoke strong emotions, it’s crucial to weigh the potential consequences. Confronting suspects alone in the dark, especially when outnumbered, can quickly escalate into a life-threatening encounter. Cars can be replaced. Lives cannot.