A terrifying incident unfolded at Bucktown Food and Liquor on the Northwest Side of Chicago on Thursday night when three masked men stormed into the store, brandishing guns and demanding money. The incident resulted in an employee being shot in the abdomen. The suspects managed to escape the scene, leaving the victim in critical condition. This shocking incident has left the community shaken and authorities on the hunt for the perpetrators.
The robbery and shooting occurred at approximately 10:27 p.m. at the Bucktown Food and Liquor located at 1950 North Milwaukee Avenue. Surveillance footage captured the harrowing moments as the three armed men entered the store, causing customers to raise their hands and place their wallets on the counter. The suspects demanded money and valuables from the terrified individuals.
As the 26-year-old employee placed his wallet on the counter, one of the gunmen callously fired a shot, striking him in the abdomen. The victim, who had been working at the store for a year and a half without any previous issues, was rushed to Stroger Hospital in critical condition. Diptesh Patel, the store’s owner, expressed shock and disbelief at the incident, emphasizing that they had complied with the robbers’ demands.
In addition to shooting the employee, the suspects also robbed five other people inside the store. Fortunately, none of the other victims sustained injuries. However, the criminals managed to escape the scene in a dark sedan before the police arrived. Authorities suspect that the same individuals may be responsible for another armed robbery at a nearby 7-Eleven earlier that day.
The shooting has left the community on edge, with residents expressing concern about the safety of their neighborhood. Nearby business owners, including one who recently opened a new establishment, expressed their alarm and desire for a swift resolution to the case.
Area Five detectives are currently investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made thus far. Police have not confirmed whether the two robberies are connected.