A pawn shop owner in Kenosha stopped an armed robbery by shooting one of the suspects. The robbery attempt at the Jewelry Exchange occurred along one of Kenosha’s busiest streets in broad daylight Wednesday. Kenosha Police Chief John Morrisey says the two masked men ran from the business, the one with a large caliber bullet wound to his chest is believed to have committed crimes in Lake County, Illinois.
AUDIO: Chief Morrisey (MP3 :15)
At last word, the wounded suspect was listed in critical but stable condition. The other offender drove off in a green van and store surveillance video is being used to make ID’s.
Morrisey says a recent violent custard stand robbery, plus a general increase in violent crime likely has more business owners arming themselves.
On July 26th a hold up at Shirl’s Drive In resulted in an 18-year-old employee being killed and the store manager injured by gun fire.
The Kenosha County District Attorney’s office will determine if the pawn shop owner was justified in using his gun.
Contributed by Janet Hoff-WRJN