Retail clerk fatally shot during attempted robbery in West Ridge – GNT NEWS

Chicago police are searching for a gunman they say shot and killed a convenience store clerk during an attempted robbery Monday night in Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood.

According to police, the suspect fled the scene after the shooting without any stolen goods — but left a key piece of evidence behind.

On Monday around 9:50 p.m., the clerk, 66, was working the counter at J&K Food and Liquor at 6320 N. Western Ave. when he was approached by an armed suspect who demanded money from the register, Chicago police said.

When the officer refused to comply, the suspect shot the officer in the chest, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.

According to police, the officer then drew a gun and attempted to return fire, but missed as the suspect began to flee the scene.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the police said.

According to investigators, the suspect rode his bicycle to the store, but abandoned it after fleeing on foot.

Video and photos from the scene show investigators placing evidence markers just outside a store along Western Avenue near items that were left behind, including a bicycle and what appears to be a cell phone or cell phone case.

The victim’s identity has not been released. According to police, no one is in custody and detectives are investigating.