Resident Shot While Confronting Car Burglars: Morton Grove PD
MORTON GROVE, IL — A homeowner was shot early Sunday after confronting two would-be car burglars. Morton Grove police said the man was taken to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
At around 2:44 a.m., police received a report that shots had been fired related to a burglary to a motor vehicle in the 7300 block of Palma Lane. Police from the Morton Grove and Niles police departments were able to quickly secure the area, while also providing lifesaving interventions to the victim, including the use of a tourniquet. Morton Grove firefighters arrived, continued medical care and then took the victim to the hospital.
As a result of an initial investigation into the incident, police believe two black males were attempting to break into a vehicle parked at the home. The homeowner saw the pair breaking into his vehicle and attempted to confront them. At that time, the suspects reportedly battered the victim and discharged a firearm, striking him in the leg, before fleeing the scene.
Witnesses saw the two leave the area in a dark-colored sedan. The suspect and vehicle information was promptly shared with regional law enforcement partners, according to police.
"We are aware of the similarities between this incident and the incident that occurred on Jan. 7 on Reba Court,"
In the letter, Weitzel went on to acknowledge citizens in Illinois have a right to defend their property, which he said the victim did in the latest case as it was necessary to protect his property "under extremely stressful and rapidly unfolding circumstances." At the same time, Weitzel said residents should "prioritize" their safety in these incidents and call the police rather than confronting the suspects. He also noted responsibility for the violence lies on the suspects.
"That said, incidents like this highlight the very real danger of confronting individuals who are engaged in criminal activity," Weitzel said in the complete letter posted below. "Those committing acts of this nature are often willing to escalate situations to deadly force without hesitation, as we saw in this case."
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Morton Grove Police Department at 847-470-5200.
Letter to the Community from Chief Michael Weitzel:
I want to provide the community with this statement on the recent shooting related to a burglary to a motor vehicle on Palma Lane, as well as address questions regarding a similar incident that occurred earlier this month on Reba Court.
In Illinois, private citizens have a statutory right to use proportional force to defend their property. The victim in this case did what he believed was necessary to protect his property under extremely stressful and rapidly unfolding circumstances.
That said, incidents like this highlight the very real danger of confronting individuals who are engaged in criminal activity. Those committing acts of this nature are often willing to escalate situations to deadly force without hesitation, as we saw in this case.
We are aware of the similarities between this incident and the incident that occurred on January 7, 2026, on Reba Court. At this stage of the investigation, we cannot comment on whether the two incidents are connected. Similarities in method do not, by themselves, establish that the same individuals were involved, and we are taking a careful, evidence-based approach to confirm any potential linkage.
Both incidents remain under active investigation. We are pursuing multiple investigative leads, leveraging regional partnerships and technology, and working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold those responsible accountable. I also want to thank the Niles Police Department for their immediate assistance and professionalism in responding to this incident alongside our officers.
It is also important for the community to understand that the Morton Grove Police Department is not only responding to these incidents after the fact, but is actively working to deter them before they occur. Our patrol officers routinely interdict suspicious vehicles entering Morton Grove that we believe may be involved in or intending to commit these types of crimes. We utilize automated license plate reader technology, targeted patrol strategies, and real-time intelligence sharing with neighboring agencies as part of coordinated crime-suppression efforts aimed at disrupting criminal activity before it reaches our neighborhoods.
Our message to the community is twofold. First, the responsibility for this violence lies entirely with the offenders who chose to bring a firearm into a property crime and use it against a resident. Second, while citizens have legal rights to defend themselves and their property, we strongly encourage residents to prioritize their personal safety and contact the police rather than physically confronting suspects.
The Morton Grove Police Department remains committed to aggressively investigating these incidents, bringing those responsible to justice, and providing a sense of safety and security to the victim of this crime and to everyone in this Village.
