Chicago homeowner fatally shoots alleged home invader: 'People are at a point where they are protecting themselves'

A Chicago homeowner fatally shot an alleged home invader earlier this week.

What are the details?

Police told WLS-TV a 26-year-old man was in his home in the 2100 block of North Meade Avenue just after 12:45 p.m. Monday when someone entered without permission.

The victim fired at the suspect, striking him twice in the chest, the station said.

Neighbors described hearing four to five gunshots before police swarmed the street in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood in the northwest side of the city, WLS said.

The suspect fled the scene but was found nearby, the station said, adding that neighbors also said they saw a man being treated on a stretcher.

The alleged home invader was taken to Loyola hospital in serious condition, WLS noted.

The suspect — identified as 39-year-old Alexis Quiles of Chicago — died Tuesday afternoon, the station said, citing police and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Neighbors also told WLS a family with children lives in the home in question and that police said no one else was hurt.

One neighbor told WGN-TV the area is usually quiet and the sight of so many police officers isn't an everyday occurrence.

“For the most part, this block is generally pretty peaceful,” Andre Davis explained to WGN. “But it definitely hits close to home. I don’t know what happened to the offender. That’s what happens, though. People are at a point where they are protecting themselves.”

Area detectives are investigating, WLS said, adding the charges were pending prior to Quiles' death.

How are others reacting?

A handful of commenters on social media made their sentiments crystal clear following news of the suspect's death:

• "Awesome," one user said.
• Another noted mockingly, "Boohoo.."
• "Good riddance," another commenter stated.

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