Concealed Carry Holder Thwarts Drive-By Shooter in Chicago
In a sudden and harrowing incident in Chicago, a concealed carry permit holder took swift action to protect the public when a suspected drive-by shooter opened fire following a car crash. The incident unfolded on the city’s Southwest Side, as reported by ABC 7.
Fast and Furious
Witness Lorenzo Hernandez, recounting the ordeal through a Spanish translator, described the terrifying speed of events. “The shooting happened so quickly, I didn’t have time to react,” he stated. In a city where uncertainty can loom over one’s daily routine, he expressed gratitude for escaping unscathed, saying, “In Chicago, you go to work not knowing if you will come back home. This happens everywhere. I thank God that I didn’t get hit.”
Police Respond to the Scene
Police rushed to the scene of a drive-by shooting that occurred around 2 p.m. on the Southwest Side. The incident involved a car crash that tangled four vehicles and a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus, situated near 47th and Archer.
Unraveling the Chaos
Hernandez was an eyewitness to the chaotic chain of events. He watched passengers disembark from the CTA bus when an individual in a white Dodge Durango allegedly began firing upon the group.
Intervention in the Nick of Time
Amid the confusion, a 55-year-old male CTA bus supervisor became a casualty of the gunfire, sustaining injuries while responding to the accident scene. Hernandez, who was in his SUV near a tow truck driver, recounted the heart-pounding moment when the shooter targeted his vehicle. Fortunately, the tow truck driver, who remained anonymous, took cover during the commotion. When the opportunity arose, he courageously returned fire, discharging two rounds at the suspect.
The Pursuit of Justice
The identity of the suspect remains elusive, as they managed to escape the scene before the authorities could make an arrest. Chicago Police confirmed that a concealed carry permit holder present at the scene had exchanged gunfire with the suspect.
A Bullet Halted by Fate
A bullet was found lodged in Hernandez’s SUV, a close call that left him reflective. He shared, “The bullet looked like it was headed in my direction, but got stopped by the car.” Hernandez added that the tow truck driver personally thanked him, acknowledging that the vehicle had shielded him from potential harm.
Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
The CTA bus supervisor, struck in the thigh during the incident, was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. He was not the intended target of the shooting. As of now, the Chicago Police Department confirmed that the investigation is still in progress, with no updates available at this time.