CHICAGO, IL – Two individuals are recovering from injuries following a shooting incident inside a Walgreens store located in the city’s Old Town neighborhood, according to authorities. The incident unfolded when a 26-year-old store employee was on duty at a 24-hour Walgreens situated in the 1600 block of North Wells Street, at approximately 11:55 p.m.
Reports from the police indicate that a man in his late twenties entered the store, engaged in a verbal altercation with the employee, and brandished a firearm. A confrontation escalated into gunfire between the two, resulting in the store employee suffering a graze wound to the chest. Remarkably, the injured employee declined medical assistance at the scene.
The assailant sustained gunshot wounds to the chest, head, and abdomen and transported himself to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he is still in critical condition. Authorities believe that the two individuals were acquainted, although specific details regarding the cause of their dispute have not been disclosed.
The incident has raised questions about whether the store employee possesses a Concealed Carry License (CCL), as Walgreens prohibits firearms within its store locations. At present, no suspects are in custody, and an active police investigation is underway.
A statement from Walgreens emphasized the company’s commitment to the safety of its customers, employees, and patients, noting their full cooperation with the Chicago Police Department’s ongoing investigation.