CICERO, IL – A store employee lost his life during an armed robbery that took place at a liquor store in the western suburb of Cicero, Chicago. The tragic incident occurred at the Licores El Potrillo store on Tuesday afternoon. Sebastian Rodriguez, 23, who worked at the store, succumbed to a gunshot wound that he received while confronting two men attempting to steal a bottle of liquor.
Upon receiving a call around 1:15 p.m., responding officers from the Cicero Police immediately launched an investigation. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed Rodriguez’s identity, stating that an autopsy showed he died from a gunshot wound to the head.
People who knew Rodriguez, including friends and colleagues, painted a picture of a hard-working man striving to support his three sons. His friend, Alvaro Pulcho, reflected on his loss and how it will deeply impact Rodriguez’s family.
The officers successfully tracked down and identified the vehicle the robbers used to flee, leading to the arrest of two individuals in connection with the crime. The arresting event was captured in amateur cell phone footage, which showed the Cicero police detaining suspects from a severely damaged car near the 95th and Halsted region. On Wednesday night, they also located and apprehended a third person of interest for the shooting on Chicago’s South Side.
The pending charges give some solace to the grieving loved ones of Rodriguez and restore the community’s faith in the local police.