Chicago Walgreens shooting suspect charged with murder for fatal shooting of woman suspected of shoplifting in Belmont Cragin
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 33-year-old man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a woman suspected of shoplifting at a Northwest Side Walgreens.
Louis Hicks Jr. of Chicago has been charged with one count of first degree murder, one count of false personation of an officer, and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, all felonies.
Police said he was arrested at about 7:10 p.m. Wednesday night after being identified as the person who shot and killed a 46-year-old woman inside a Walgreens in the 4800-block of West Fullerton Avenue. Police said he turned himself into police.
According to police, the woman, identified as Sircie Varnado, was suspected of shoplifting at the store.
Varnado, who was suspected of shoplifting feminine care products, was confronted by a store manager. The manager then called Hicks, who lives nearby, for help. During a confrontation, police said Hicks first verbally fought with Varnado.
"The employees here say they do not have a security guard here, but witnesses said here he did tell them he claimed he was a Chicago police officer after he threw her to the ground and fired," police said over their radio on the night of the shooting.
Police said Hicks claimed he was an officer and fired a single shot at Varnado's head in a store aisle before walking out and driving off.
Varnado was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
"I don't know why they would stereotype her but I do know he murdered my aunt. In cold blood," said Nydia Foster, victim's niece, last week.
According to published records Hicks, who is a former security guard, has impersonated government officials before and been arrested on that charge.
Officials said Hicks is considered an "unofficial security guard" at that Walgreens location and does have a valid FOID card and concealed carry license.
Varnardo's family said he should have never been involved in the incident.
"There were many ways he could have apprehended her without shooting her in the face," said Maria Reed, the victim's sister.
A Walgreens spokesperson said the Deerfield-based company is cooperating with the police investigation.
"We are committed to providing a safe environment for our employees, patients and customers in the communities we serve," the company said in a statement.
