Brighton Park Thorntons shooting kills trucker who warned clerk of masked men

Police investigate fatal robbery at South California Avenue gas station

CHICAGO — A 36-year-old trucker was fatally shot early Tuesday outside a Thorntons gas station in the city’s Brighton Park neighborhood after he warned an employee that masked men were waiting in the parking lot, according to police records and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

The shooting and robbery happened shortly before 3 a.m. at the station at 3450 S. California Ave. on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Police said a white Hyundai carrying four men entered the lot and circled the business before the attack.

Justin McCauley had parked beside the Hyundai and went inside the convenience store to buy coffee and gasoline, according to a police report obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. After entering, McCauley told the clerk there were “guys with masks in the lot,” the report and sources said.

One suspect had approached the clerk and asked to use the restroom. The employee told McCauley she would lock the door once he left the store, according to the report. But as McCauley attempted to leave, the three other people in the Hyundai got out and opened fire.

McCauley was struck in the head, neck and chest before the group took cash from one of the store’s drawers, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified him as McCauley.

The police report indicated McCauley may have returned fire. Investigators found 10 9mm shell casings in two separate areas of the scene, as well as suspected blood. Authorities also reported that McCauley had an empty holster and that the robbers took an item lying near him before fleeing in the Hyundai.

Detectives seek four robbery suspects

The killing highlights the risks faced by workers and customers during overnight armed robberies, when fewer people may be present to witness an attack or assist victims. The clerk was not reported injured in the information released by authorities.

McCauley worked for Midwest Foods, which issued condolences Wednesday. A company spokesperson said he was beloved by colleagues and clients and that his death would be deeply felt by those who knew him.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family as they deal with this senseless tragedy,” the spokesperson said.

Chicago Police Area 1 detectives are investigating the Brighton Park Thorntons shooting. No arrests had been announced, and the four suspects remained at large.