Slaying Of Mall Security Officer: Suspect Still At Large

CALUMET CITY, IL — Police are continuing to search for a suspect who shot and killed a security officer at River Oaks Mall on Wednesday afternoon during a robbery at a jewelry store, police said.

The 57-year-old security officer died at a local hospital after he was shot at around 12:15 p.m., police said. Officers found the man with gunshot wounds and performed-saving measures until paramedics arrived. But police said the man died after being taken to the hospital.

An 81-year-old man was also shot in the hand and sustained minor injuries, police said.

Stores inside the mall were placed on lockdown after police said they responded to reports of shots being fired. Additional officers were at a nearby building on a training exercise and responded to the call as well.

Witnesses told police that the suspect left the store with an unknown amount of jewelry and fled the mall in a vehicle. Officers conducted a search of the interior and exterior of the mall.

Calumet City Police are working with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force in trying to locate the suspect. Police believe the shooting was isolated. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Calumet City Police Department at (708) 868-2500.