Man in custody after robbery, shooting inside steakhouse near Magnificent Mile

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police arrested a man Sunday night after he was accused of shooting a worker and assaulting others during a robbery inside Lawry's The Prime Rib restaurant.

The former employee entered the restaurant near Ontario and Rush streets around 11:45 p.m. Sunday after the restaurant closed and went to the back of the restaurant where several employees were gathered, police said.

Investigators said he restrained them and stole their cellphones. During the robbery, a victim interrupted the gunman and that is when the thief shot the 40-year-old man in the arm, police said. He was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and is expected to be OK.

Fire officials said two other people were assaulted. Paramedics were seen taking employees to ambulances, including one person whose wrists were tied. A man was also seen with duct tape wrapped around his head and a bloody T-shirt and apron. The victims were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and their injuries are not believed to be serious.

The suspect ran from the scene after the shooting, but was found a short time later. A weapon was recovered by police.

Workers around the area were shocked to learn what happened right next door.

"It is pretty surprising. We always try to be careful around here and pay attention to all of our surroundings around here," said Julio Ayala, who works nearby.

Lawry's is just steps away from Michigan Avenue and a popular downtown restaurant. Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said, "I just want to reiterate that that is a safe area of the city. It's an isolated incident. The person was a former employee that was disgruntled."

In a statement, Lawry's also confirmed that the suspect was a former employee who was recently terminated.

Lawry's and SideDoor were closed on Monday.

"We are all shocked and saddened by this traumatic event. The safety of our employees and our guests is of paramount importance to us and we are providing our coworkers with the support they need during this difficult time," a spokesperson for the restaurant said.