Man shot in both legs trying to fight off robbers in Skokie

SKOKIE, Ill. (WLS) -- A 54-year-old man was shot in each leg when he tried to fight off two robbers in north suburban Skokie late Wednesday night, police said.

"There was a slight struggle prior to the subjects getting away," said Eric Swaback, Skokie Police Department.

All they made off with is a purse belonging to the victim's daughter. He had just picked her up from work near Dempster Street and Bronx Avenue. They drove home, to the 4300-block of West Oakton Street. When they got out of the car, they were attacked.

Sara Schwartz, who lives nearby, heard the gunshots.

"All of a sudden I heard about six to eight pops," Schwartz said.

After the shooting, the suspects ran to a vehicle and took off, heading east on Oakton.

Schwartz said a neighbor saw two witnesses run down the street to call for help. When officers arrived, a rush of police activity flooded her usually quiet street.

"It's all homes down our streets and it's very quiet. I have a young niece. She's 19. She comes home later in the evenings. I never thought something like that would happen so close to home," Schwartz said.

The victim was rushed to Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston. He is expected to be OK.

Police released a vague description of the suspects.

"The subjects were described as 18-20 years of age, wearing hooded sweatshirts, entering a black, four-door sedan. No make, no model, no license plate at this time," Swaback said.

The lack of information about who police might be looking for is unsettling, especially for those who wonder if this might be the start of a trend.

"It's just sad to know that it's happening. You know, you leave the city because you don't want to be around it and now it's coming to where you're living now," Schwartz said.

Police ask anyone who was in the area Wednesday night and saw something suspicious to give them a call.