CPD said a 44-year-old man was sitting on the steps of his home in the 2900-block of North Wolcott Avenue about 11:15 p.m. when he heard a loud noise.
As he walked toward the curb to investigate, two men underneath a car crawled out and started shooting, according to CPD.
Police later said the two were trying to steal the car's catalytic converter.
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The victim, who police said is a licensed gun owner, fired back and shot one of the suspects in the neck, police said.
That 25-year-old suspect, identified as Darion Blackman, later died at Illinois Masonic Hospital. The other ran off.
A weapon was recovered at the scene, police said. The victim was not hurt in the incident.
Area Three detectives are investigating.