Security guard killed in Chicago-area shopping mall shooting

A sign for River Oaks Center shopping mall is shown in September 2021 in Calumet City, Illinois. (Provided Photo/Google Street View)

CALUMET CITY, Ill. (AP) — A security guard was fatally shot inside a Chicago-area shopping mall on Wednesday, police said.

Two men tried to rob a jewelry store at the mall but were met by the security guard, police said. The robbers then pulled out weapons and fire several rounds.

The shooting occurred just after noon at River Oaks Center in Calumet City. The guard was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

About 20 people were inside the mall at the time of the shooting and police were working to interview them, Calumet City spokesman Sean Howard said.

Calumet City Police Chief Kevin Kolosh said a second man suffered a minor hand injury and was treated at the scene.

At the time of the shooting, about 20 officers were conducting training in a building adjacent to the mall, Kolosh said.

Calumet City is 22 miles (35.4 kilometers) south of Chicago.