Godfrey Hotel guest exchanges gunfire with would-be robber in River North, Chicago police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A hotel guest traded gunfire with a would-be robber in River North Sunday night, Chicago police said.

Police said a man was staying at the Godfrey in the 100-block of West Huron Street when just after 11:30 p.m. an unknown person knocked on his door.

The 53-year-old victim opened the door and a man forced his way into the room, took out a gun and demanded the victim's property, police said.

The suspect then began firing shots at the victim and the victim returned fire, police said.

The would-be robber fled the scene and the victim was left with a graze wound to the head, police said.

The victim was treated at the scene by the Chicago Fire Department and refused further medical attention.

Some people staying at the hotel said they're shaken up by the violence. Nate Montgomery was in his room just a few doors down when he heard the shots.

"I was lying in bed just watching TV and I heard kind of a 'tap tap tap tap tap'...and then I heard some loud voices and it definitely alerted me," Montgomery said. "I did not realize it was gunshots to be honest with you."

Many hotel guests had no idea anything had happened.

"I was very shocked to find out because nobody said anything," said hotel guest Athena Belluso. "Like I came down into the lobby and nothing was said."

Meanwhile, hotel general manager Todd Van Winkle made some brief remarks to assure guests the hotel is safe and this was an isolated incident.

"The safety and security of the hotel's guests and employees are always a top priority for us," Van Winkle said. "The hotel team is fully cooperating with the Chicago Police Department in their ongoing investigation."

Police recovered a weapon from the scene. No one is in custody.