The Downside of Confronting Criminals

Yes, his car was being broken into. He could have paid the ultimate price. Homeowner shot overnight in Morton Grove while trying to stop car from being broken into, police chief issues statement

An initial investigation, police say, determined that two Black male offenders were trying to break into a car parked on Palma Lane. They were spotted by the homeowner, who then confronted them and tried to stop the burglary.

According to police, the offenders then beat the victim and shot him in the leg before fleeing the scene in what area witnesses described as a dark-colored sedan.

Morton Grove, Illinois is about a 15 mile drive north-northwest of the the Loop in downtown Chicago.

Now even in the People's Republic of Illinois, you have the right to us "proportional force" to defend your property, but it seems like this guy was only going to speak harshly to them. While they shot him in the leg, they could easily have shot him in the head.

Morton Grove Police Chief Michael Weitzel released a social media post on this incident. The relevant section, to me anyway is as follows:

Incidents like this highlight the very real danger of confronting individuals who are engaged in criminal activity. Those committing acts of this nature are often willing to escalate situations to deadly force without hesitation, as we saw in this case.

You are not protected by your zip code. The bad guys can travel. And as Chief Weitzel points out, your life means nothing to them. They only shot this guy, after beating him up, because he pissed them off.

If your car, and what is inside it, means that much to you, then maybe don't park on the street.

You certainly have the right to defend your property. There are things in this world that I consider worth risking my life over; my old SUV is not one of them. But you do you.