Teen killed in armed robbery attempt on Chicago's Far South Side

Authorities say a 16-year-old boy was fatally shot by a 27-year-old man during a robbery attempt in the West Pullman neighborhood.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:05am

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A 16-year-old boy was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood after he allegedly approached a 27-year-old man with a gun and attempted to rob him. The man pulled out his own handgun and shot the teen in the chest, police said. The teen was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Why it matters

Gun violence and armed robberies remain a persistent issue in parts of Chicago, especially on the city's Far South Side, which has historically faced higher rates of crime. This incident highlights the dangers of such confrontations and the potential for tragic outcomes when firearms are involved.

The details

According to police, the 16-year-old boy approached the 27-year-old man around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday in the 11700 block of South Normal Avenue and attempted to rob him at gunpoint. The man then pulled out his own handgun and shot the teen in the chest. Two handguns were recovered at the scene.

  • The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
  • The teen was later pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

The players

16-year-old boy

The victim of the fatal shooting, who police say attempted to rob the 27-year-old man at gunpoint.

27-year-old man

The individual who shot and killed the 16-year-old boy during the attempted robbery.

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What’s next

Calumet Area detectives are continuing to investigate the incident. The 27-year-old man who shot the teen was taken in for questioning.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and improve public safety in Chicago's most vulnerable neighborhoods.