Cops Say 'Charges Do Not Appear Likely' for Conceal-Carry Holder Who Killed Robbery Suspect

Chicago police say that the 55-year-old robbery suspect gunned down by a conceal-carry permit holder during an attempted robbery at a South Side store had an extensive criminal background.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased suspect as Reginald Gildersleeve who was shot by customer during an attempted robbery at Agencia Mexicana, 2701 W. 51st St.

According to police, a masked man walked into the store that functions as a currency exchange and pulled out a gun around 7 p.m. Saturday. The would-be robber threatened an employee behind the counter and announced a robbery.

When a second employee emerged, Gildersleeve ordered her to the back of the store. A police spokesman said that a 44-year-old customer with a conceal-carry permit got into a confrontation with the suspect when he withdrew his own weapon and shot him multiple times.

Gildersleeve was pronounced dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest, police told the Chicago Tribune.

The customer is a 44-year-old man who resides on the Southwest Side. The customer’s brother told reporters that their family is okay and is coping with the traumatic experience.

Police said the customer had a valid firearm owner’s identification card and conceal-carry permit. The deceased suspect’s family told the newspaper they are not convinced that the customer “acted properly” when shooting Gildersleeve.

Several police sources said the gun was a toy gun or paintball gun, the Tribune said.

According to police, Gildersleeve had a lengthy rap sheet including prior arrests for robbery. He was also out on bond for an unrelated incident that occurred Oct. 23.

The incident has been referred to the Cook County State’s Attorney, who will be reviewing witnesses’ accounts and store video.

In statement released Sunday evening, police said that Central Area detectives are wrapping up their investigation and the customer is not likely to be charged.