Burglary Crew Fired First In Suburban Shootout With Homeowner, Winnetka Police Say

WINNETKA, IL — Police said the car thief who exchanged gunfire with a Winnetka homeowner on Monday morning fired first.

Winnetka police also provided preliminary descriptions of two of the three thieves involved.

The armed resident confronted the trio, interrupting them as they attempted to steal his car in the 400 block of Sheridan Road shortly after 5 a.m. on Monday.

"Our preliminary investigation indicates that one of the offenders fired at the homeowner, and the homeowner returned fire," according to police.

No one was injured in the shootout, police said.

Two of the thieves are believed to have fled in a four-door silver Audi sedan, while the other fled on foot.

Police said two of the suspects were "possibly male," of an unknown race and wearing a black masks. One was wearing a dark hoodie, dark athletic pants and athletic shoes. The other was wearing a white hoodie and dark pants, police said.

No description of the getaway driver was immediately available.

The homeowner told WFLD a burglar was able to get into his house through an unlocked front door, broke into his garage and began driving his Ferrari and Range Rover out of the driveway before he grabbed his handgun and confronted the intruders.

During the confrontation, one of the resident's cars was still behind the driveway gate, which the burglars were unable to open, he told WGN.

The homeowner said he warned them to stop before a member of the the burglary crew opened fire, forcing him to take cover behind a tree on the sidewalk in front of the house, where at least a half-dozen bullet holes were visible Monday.

Sheridan Road reopened to traffic around seven hours after the shootout.

Earlier: Winnetka Homeowner Exchanges Gunfire During Car Theft Attempt