Source: Retired police officer stops man trying to break into his car in Austin neighborhood; suspect shot in ensuing struggle, police say

CHICAGO — A man trying to break into a car in the Austin neighborhood on the city’s West Side overnight was caught by the car’s owner, a retired Chicago police officer, and shot in the right shoulder when the retired officer’s gun discharged during an ensuing struggle.

Initial police reports indicated that just before 2:30 a.m. Thursday, a 53-year-old man was attempting to break into a vehicle in the 300 block of North Mayfield Avenue when he was confronted by the vehicle’s owner, who fired a shot.

A source confirmed to WGN the vehicle owner is a retired Chicago police officer.

The suspect was hit in the right shoulder, according to police, and taken to an area hospital by Chicago Fire Department personnel, where he was listed in good condition.

Further investigation by police revealed that the former officer’s firearm was discharged during the struggle. The incident has been classified as a non-criminal accidental injury.

At least one shell casing and items in the road could be seen where the incident happened.

No other injuries were reported, and no charges have been announced.

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