On Jan. 30, 2023, a home invasion at an apartment complex near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport was thwarted when the 80-year-old victim successfully defended himself with a firearm.
The victim was inside his home on West Catherine Avenue when two suspects, one male, and one female, attempted to enter the residence without permission around 10:30 a.m. A physical altercation ensued, and the victim, who holds a valid Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card, used their firearm to defend themselves, striking the male suspect in the chest.
The suspects fled the scene and attempted to seek medical treatment at Resurrection Hospital. The male suspect is in critical condition, while the female suspect was unharmed. The victim sustained several injuries in the altercation and was also taken to Resurrection Hospital in critical condition.
Area 5 detectives are investigating the incident and charges against the suspects are pending. Meanwhile, the community has expressed support for the victim, who acted in self-defense.
One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their sympathy for the victim with CBS2 and praised their bravery.
“I am really heartbroken for him and the family because he was at home alone and he must’ve been really scared when it happened,” they said. “You never know if someone’s going to come to help you in time, so this could’ve ended really badly.”
Another resident, Kenny Vierneisel, expressed a similar sentiment.
“I’m glad that he protected himself,” he said. “If someone breaks into my apartment, I’m going to do the same thing. Right?”
This incident is a shining example of the importance of the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. In a dangerous world, law-abiding citizens must have the means to defend themselves.
