Liquor store employee shot and killed over stolen liquor bottle in Chicago suburb

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/

June 20, 2024

A liquor store employee was shot and killed after confronting two men who stole a bottle of liquor Tuesday afternoon in west suburban Cicero.

Cicero police responded to a shooting at Licores El Potrillo, 2126 S. Cicero Av., around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, a town spokesperson said. Officers found a 23-year-old man who had suffered a single gunshot wound.

An investigation revealed two men were stealing a bottle of liquor when the 23-year-old man, who works at the store, confronted them. One of the robbers shot the employee, who died from his injuries. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office identified the victim as Sebastian Rodriguez. An autopsy on Wednesday determined he died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Friends and coworkers of Rodriguez said they were stunned and saddened by the death. They told CBS 2 that Rodriguez spent several years working hard at the store to provide for his three boys.

"He was a good man. He was my best friend," said Alvaro Pulcho, Rodriguez's friend. "He was taking care of the whole [family]. He had three sons, and brothers and everything. It's hard, the situation for the whole [family]. It's very hard."

Police were able to identify the vehicle used in the robbery and took two people into custody. Cell phone video appeared to show Cicero police making arrests in connection with the shooting at 95th and Halsted. Officers' guns were drawn as they pulled alleged robbers out of a car, which had severe damage to its front end.

It was not clear how police found the wanted men, but it gave Rodriguez's loved ones some comfort knowing it seemed those responsible were off the street.

Charges were pending as of Wednesday.