Robbery thwarted by firing warning shots

Originally ran here as:
Shots fired thwarting robbery attempt
May 18, 2001

EAST CHICAGO -- East Chicago police confiscated a gun Thursday after three men reported two attempted robberies after the van they were riding in overheated.

Police were called to the 3500 block of Guthrie Street after receiving reports of shots fired. Witnesses told police three white men fired several shots. Police located Thomas Franciski of Whiting, Eric Blevins of Hammond and Brian McLain of Hammond.

Franciski told police their van overheated and when they pulled over, eight to 10 people approached the van. One person reportedly reached in the van to grab the keys when Franciski reached for his gun.

The three men began to leave the area when the others returned to the van. Fearing they were going to steal the van,
Franciski allegedly fired four shots into the ground, according to police. No one was injured.

KABA NOTE: Police confiscating a firearm used in self-defense happens frequently, as a part of the investigation. If someone turns up with a hole in his body, the gun could be used as evidence. This being Chicago, the chances of the owner of the gun getting it back are sketchy at best. But at least the 10 goons left the scene and the shooter is still alive to tell his tale.

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