Driver cleared after killing robber in struggle at Oakbrook mall

An attempted armed robbery at the Oakbrook Center mall in suburban Chicago ended with one of the robbers dead and the intended victim cleared of any wrongdoing, according to Bearing Arms.

Snapshot

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said a man who shot and killed a 28-year-old Dolton man during a Sept. 30 robbery attempt at the mall's parking lot acted in justified self-defense and will not be charged. Prosecutors said the 28-year-old had pointed a gun into the man's car as part of a planned robbery of $2,000 in cash, and the intended victim ended up using that same gun against his attackers after a struggle.

Key points

• The setup: Prosecutors said a 29-year-old man arranged the robbery after learning the victim would be carrying $2,000 from a watch-reselling scheme, and texted the 28-year-old instructions to box in the victim's Mercedes-Benz.
• The struggle: According to prosecutors, The 28-year-old opened the car door and pointed a handgun inside; the driver fought for control of the weapon, and the 29-year-old joined in to help.
• The outcome: The 29-year-old was shot in the abdomen during the struggle, and the driver got out and shot the 28-year-old, who was killed, authorities said.
• No charges: Berlin said the shooting was justified self-defense; the 29-year-old also won't face charges in the death because Illinois did away with the law that let accomplices be charged for a death during a forcible felony.

Quick take

Tom Knighton of Bearing Arms argues the would-be victim made a smart call in a dangerous spot, choosing to fight rather than become another robbery statistic. He also notes the victim's decision to transport cash with people he apparently didn't know well enough to trust was a risky move in its own right.

Read the full story: bearingarms.com