Legal concealed, carry gun owner thwarts robbery by shooting the criminal, Reginald Gildersleeve
A Chicago robbery was thwarted at a Southwest Side corner store Saturday night when a patron with a concealed carry license shot and killed the armed robber, authorities said.
Reginald Gildersleeve, 55, was identified by police, who claim the man walked into the store, announced the robbery and drew his handgun. When a second employee emerged from the back of the store, Gildersleeve pointed the weapon at the female worker.
Police reported that witnesses stated that the robber then made her go to the back of the store, which is where the safe is located. Then a customer patronizing the store pulled his handgun, opened fire and killed the robber.
Police said the shooter has a valid concealed carry license and a valid firearm owner’s identification card.
The man’s stepson defended him: “Something just don’t sit well with me,” he said. “To shoot him multiple times and I know he don’t really own a gun, so something just doesn’t sound right.”
The stepson says Gildersleeve was a former employee of the store and knew the owner well.
Police say that he had an extensive criminal history, including prior arrests for robbery.
These reports state the man died from “gunshot wounds,” with an official Cook County medical examiner’s report to follow. No charges have been filed or appear to be being discussed against the shooter who possibly saved several lives.
Crime Scene Tape photo/edited pic from FBI.gov
