Retired Chicago Deputy Police Chief Shot By Would-Be Robber — And Shoots Back

CHICAGO, IL -- A retired Chicago police deputy chief exercising at a South Shore park shot a 21-year-old man during an attempted robbery Wednesday morning, police said.

Police said that 73-year-old retired police commander, Fred Coffey, was getting set to walk around the track with friends at Eckersall Stadium near 81st Street and South Essex when he was approached by a 21-year-old man around 9:35 a.m. Wednesday.

The younger man demanded valuables and money when Coffey reportedly withdrew a gun and shot him, ABC 7 Chicago reported.

Coffey was shot first in the shoulder, according to news reports. The retired Chicago cop drew his weapon and shot the 21-year-old robber in the leg. The younger man received the more serious of the wounds.

Community members were stunned by the exchange of gunfire.

"Everybody just be up here chilling and hooping and stuff, and all this extra stuff going on, we don't really need that," resident Dwight Cross told ABC 7.

Coffey is recovering at University of Chicago Hospital. The 21-year-old man was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson expressed his anger over the shooting in a written statement:

No charges have been announced for the suspect, who remains in custody.