Concealed carry holder shot 3x burglar during garage break-in, prosecutors say

A recent incident on the South Side has once again brought attention to the issue of burglary in the area. Jose Pantoja, a three-time convicted burglar, found himself facing burglary charges once more after a homeowner caught him breaking into a garage and shot him in the leg.

The incident took place in the early hours of March 7, when police responded to a call about a burglary in progress on the 5100 block of South Loomis Boulevard. They found Pantoja lying in an alley with a gunshot wound to his right leg. The homeowner, a 40-year-old man living nearby, had heard noises coming from his garage and discovered Pantoja wearing a mask and attempting to steal tools. In an attempt to flee, Pantoja was shot by the homeowner, who was a valid concealed carry license holder.

Upon further investigation, police recovered Pantoja’s backpack, which contained stolen property identified by the homeowner. The backpack also held burglary tools, including a Dremel tool and a drill, as well as a “crowbar-like item” used to break into the garage. Pantoja was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment and now faces charges of burglary and possession of burglary tools. Despite his criminal history, prosecutors did not seek his detention, and he will remain free pending trial.

Court records reveal that Pantoja has been convicted of burglary three times in Cook County, indicating a pattern of criminal behavior. This latest incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of property crimes in the area.

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