$2,000 reward offered in shooting of 71-year-old man

A $2,000 reward is being offered for information in the shooting of a 71-year-old man during an attempted robbery Tuesday afternoon in the Marquette Park neighborhood on the Southwest Side.

About 12:10 p.m., the victim was watering his lawn in the 7100 block of South California when he was approached by two males on bikes, Chicago Police said. One suspect demanded the man’s wallet, and when he refused, he was shot him in the abdomen.

In surveillance video captured from a neighbor’s front porch, the suspects can be seen as they ride past the man as he waters his lawn. A short time later, one of them returns and gets off his bike as he approaches the victim. The second cyclist lingers back and moves out of the video’s frame.

The video shows the suspect approach the man from behind. As he does, the victim turns around and the two begin to struggle as the bicyclist is sprayed with the hose. As the two struggle, the victim is pushed to the ground. The other cyclist rides away down the street while his partner goes into the man’s pockets.

The victim manages to get back to his feet after the cyclist who robbed him rides away. He walks to his house, and then to a neighbor’s home, where he waits on the steps and clutches his waist.

He was eventually taken to Holy Cross Hospital and later transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was listed in fair condition, police said.

No one was in custody as of Wednesday night, police said.

Activist Andrew Holmes on Thursday announced a reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction has been increased to $2,000. Anyone with information is asked to call (800) 883-5587.