Residents in Chicago's Jefferson Park community have raised thousands of dollars for the owners of an ice cream shop who were injured during a violent robbery last week.
On Monday, Oct. 5, a man walked into El Sabor La Michoacanita, 4442 N. Milwaukee Ave., just before closing, and hit one of the owners, Luis, in the head and neck with a handgun. The unknown suspect then demanded money from Luis' wife and co-owner, Ana Romero.
Ana Romero was also struck with a gun, and is still coping with the trauma one week after the attack.
"[It was] really scary for me and my family," she said.
Romero, who was already struggling because of coronavirus restrictions affecting her business, is now living in fear that such a horrible crime could happen again.
While Luis recovers at home, a close family friend is helping keep watch at the shop.
"Anything they need, we're here for them," said family friend, Jose Chavarin.
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Chavarin, along with another nearby business owner, organized an online fundraiser to help the couple with their hospital bills. In just a matter of days, they surpassed the goal of $5,000.
"For us it means that we know there’s people out there that actually support us and love what we do for them as a small business," said Yarely Gozalez Romero, the owners' 15-year-old daughter.
According to Chicago police, the suspect is a bald man, approximately 5 foot 8 inches tall and 230 pounds. He was wearing a black surgical mask and a black sweater.
Anyone with information about the crime or a potential suspect is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department.
