Armed robber killed when victim fights for control of his gun

CHICAGO — An armed robber is dead, apparently shot by his own firearm as the would-be victim tried to gain control of the weapon on Saturday afternoon, Chicago police said.

Police initially responded to calls of three men beating a man on the ground in the 1500 block of West Garfield around 2:51 p.m. First responders soon learned that the subject of the beating was also the robber, who had been mortally wounded by a gunshot, too.

CPD said a 43-year-old man was working outside when the still-unidentified robber walked up, displayed a gun, and demanded property.

A struggle for control of the firearm began, resulting in the robber suffering a single gunshot wound to his chest, according to police. He died a short time later at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

An officer at the scene said they found a gun and a ski mask at the scene.