Gresham convenience store guard shoots would-be robber, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A convenience store security guard shot a would-be robber Wednesday night in Chicago's Gresham neighborhood, police said.

An 18-year-old man with a gun allegedly tried to rob a clerk at a convenience store in the 8100-block of South Racine Avenue just after 7:55 p.m.

Police said that's when the security guard stepped in and shot the teen several times. The suspect got away, leaving his gun behind at the scene.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said it didn't take long for officers to figure out what happened.

"He did run. He ran and went home and the people inside called the police to say he'd been shot. But we were able to match up his story with the story that happened over here so he was placed in custody," Johnson said.

The suspect was taken to the Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

Police said no one else was hurt.