A 16-year-old boy is dead after a 27-year-old man shot him during an attempted armed robbery in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood on Wednesday afternoon. Chicago police report the teenager drew a firearm first, prompting the resident to return fire in self-defense; two handguns were recovered at the scene.
CHICAGO, IL — The broad daylight of a Wednesday afternoon was shattered by gunfire in Chicago’s West Pullman neighborhood. At approximately 3:36 p.m. on March 18, 2026, Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers were dispatched to the 11700 block of South Normal Avenue following reports of a person shot.
According to investigators, a 27-year-old man was walking when he was approached by a 16-year-old male. The teenager allegedly pulled out a handgun and attempted to rob the man. However, the older man—who was also armed with a handgun—managed to draw his own firearm and shoot the teenager in the chest.
Investigation and Recovered Evidence
The 16-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead from his injuries. His identity has not yet been released by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
CPD officials confirmed that two handguns were recovered from the scene: one belonging to the deceased teenager and one belonging to the 27-year-old. The resident was taken into custody for questioning, but as of Wednesday evening, no charges have been filed. Preliminary evidence suggests the shooting was a justifiable act of self-defense during a violent crime.
This incident highlights the growing frequency of self-defense encounters in the city’s South Side. For the 27-year-old involved, the ability to react quickly to a drawn firearm likely saved his life. CPD Area Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery and the subsequent shooting.
Safety Tip: An armed robbery is one of the most high-stakes “close-quarters” confrontations you can face. If an attacker already has a firearm drawn, your “Reactionary Gap” is virtually non-existent. In many cases, compliance is the safer option unless you believe the attacker intends to fire regardless. However, if you choose to defend yourself, your draw must be explosive and decisive. For concealed carry holders, practicing your “draw from concealment” is only half the battle; you must also practice verbal commands and lateral movement to get off the attacker’s line of fire. After any defensive shooting, your first priority is to secure your safety, call 911, and wait for officers with your hands visible and your firearm holstered.
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