Three people were shot Tuesday morning inside a Jewel-Osco grocery store in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood after a confrontation over suspected shoplifting, according to Chicago police.
Police said that shortly before 11 a.m., two people entered the store in the 400 block of East 34th Street at the Lake Meadows shopping center and attempted to steal merchandise. When a 46-year-old man intervened, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking the man and two bystanders.
The 46-year-old victim, who was shot multiple times, was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition.
A 29-year-old woman was shot in her left foot and listed in stable condition at the same hospital.
A 67-year-old woman suffered a graze wound to her foot and declined medical treatment at the scene.
Witness Debra Pleasant described the chaos that followed the gunfire.
“I heard around six to eight shots. I just took off running,” Pleasant said. “Everybody was just running, trying to find safety.”
She said she hid in a corner until she felt it was safe to leave.
“I was all discombobulated. I didn’t know which way to go,” she recalled.
A large police presence quickly surrounded the store. Video from the Citizen app showed multiple CPD squad cars and ambulances outside as officers worked to clear the parking lot. Paramedics were seen treating victims inside before transporting them to hospitals.
The store remained closed for the rest of the day as detectives collected evidence.
Cathy Donovan Wagner, CEO of RETAILMavens, urged store workers never to confront armed suspects.
“It’s not your job to handle it—it’s your job to get help,” Wagner said. “Nothing is more valuable than your life or the life of your team members.”
A Jewel-Osco spokesperson thanked police for their quick response, saying the company is cooperating fully with the investigation.
As of Tuesday night, no arrests had been made, and Chicago police said the investigation is ongoing.
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