No charges yet in Waukegan gun store shootings

Police said they are waiting to file charges in the shooting and apparent robbery at a Waukegan gun shop until after officers interview the suspect wounded in the scuffle.

Police are reviewing videotape evidence and witness accounts from the Wednesday afternoon shooting at Schrank's Smoke 'N Gun, 2010 Washington St., Police Cmdr. Wayne Walles said. Four people seen on videotape entering and exiting the shop minutes before and after the 1:45 p.m. confrontation have been questioned by police, Walles said, along with the store clerk who shot and wounded the suspect who allegedly jumped behind the counter during the altercation.

Police refused to release the names of those involved until after formal charges are filed, Walles said Thursday, but identified the four people questioned as witnesses who were not involved in the altercation.

"Many people were in and out of the store before, during and after the shooting," he said. "We have interviewed everyone but the subject that was shot. So, we are waiting for him to talk to us before we press any charges."

He confirmed police believe the case is an attempted robbery.

Walles said the store clerk and a customer were involved in a verbal confrontation until the customer went behind the counter, which triggered a physical fight.

The clerk shot the man in the chest and leg during the fight and held another person at gunpoint until police arrived, Walles said. The person shot in the chest was taken to Vista West Medical Center in Waukegan before being flown to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge. Walles added the suspect underwent surgery last night and is listed in critical but stable condition.

The clerk was also taken to Vista West because he accidentally shot himself in the hand during the struggle, Walles said. He has been treated and released from the hospital and has been interviewed by police.