‘Work ethic was unmatched’: Car enthusiast shot, killed over BMW at Fuller Park gas station

CHICAGO — A man, who immigrated from Poland and loved cars, was gunned down during an attempted carjacking in Fuller Park on the morning of his 25th birthday Sunday.

Michal Ciskal was driving to work at the University of Chicago for his company Comecer when he stopped at a Shell gas station located in the 5400 block of South Wells Street at around 7:55 a.m.

His friend and roommate David Nowak was going to get a cake for a surprise birthday party for Ciskal, who was living in Des Plaines, when he got the terrible news — that he was shot and killed.

“We met a bunch of years ago through the hobby of automotives,” Nowak said. “Instantly, you felt you were friends with him forever. He became part of the group and bonded over cars. No question, he was there for you. He was that kind of person.”

Ciskal was driving his BMW M235i on the morning of his killing, something Nowak thinks may have attracted attention since it was customized.

Two armed men exited a vehicle and approached Ciskal at the pump, according to his roommate Nowak and the Sun-Times . The Sun-Times, citing the police report, said Ciskal was shot at close range while the other gunman took the keys from the 25-year-old’s hand.

“Knowing Michal, he probably resisted and they shot him. They hopped in the car and couldn’t drive away because it was a stick shift,” Nowak said. “He died honorably. He stood up for what he believed in. He didn’t believe in (stealing), if you want something you have to earn it. They couldn’t even drive it.”

Ciskal officially immigrated to Chicago at the age of 17 to start a life for himself after staying with his aunt over his teenage years on visits to the city.

“In Polish high schools you can take trade classes. He took electrical courses so he had a base knowledge (to become a technician),” Nowak said. “He started by working at apartment complexes by his aunt and worked his way up. His work ethic was unmatched and that’s how he did it.”

While friends were planning his surprise party, Ciskal was getting ready for his family to visit from Poland.

“Why and what was the point?” friend Lucas Prezeklas said. “Completely senseless. It’s the worst outcome and the worst case.”

Comecer North America sent the following statement.

“This is such a tragic, devastating lost for us. Colleagues, customers, and partners throughout our professional community are all at a loss for words over this horrible event. Michal was such a dedicated individual with a true passion for his work and had the ambitions and ability to achieve so much in his career. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones during this time.”

After exiting Ciskal’s BMW, the gunmen fled in a stolen gray BMW, according to the Sun-Times.

No one is in custody. Anyone with information can leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com .

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