A 24-year-old man who was shot and then robbed as he lay on the ground in a Northwest Side alley this week dragged himself to the street for help after his attacker fled with his wallet and phone, prosecutors said Thursday. Chicago police caught up with the attacker just minutes later, allegedly finding him still carrying the victim’s belongings and the handgun allegedly used in the attack.
Michael Martinez, 28, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery by discharging a firearm, discharging a firearm during an armed robbery, and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon. Judge James Murphy III granted the state’s petition to detain Martinez pending trial.
Prosecutors told Murphy that Martinez and the victim were talking on the sidewalk in the 3100 block of North Nottingham Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Monday before crossing the street and walking into an alley behind the 7000 block of West Belmont Avenue.
Surveillance video allegedly captured the pair entering the alley where, prosecutors said, Martinez pulled out a 9mm pistol and fired two rounds, striking the 24-year-old in the left forearm and lower abdomen. The victim collapsed and Martinez allegedly took his wallet and cellphone before running away.
Despite suffering injuries that left him unable to move his legs, the victim dragged himself out of the alley and toward the street to seek help.
Chicago police officers searched the area and found Martinez about eight minutes later in an alley behind the 3000 block of North New England Avenue. Prosecutors said he was wearing the same clothing seen in surveillance footage from the shooting and still had the 9mm pistol along with the victim’s wallet and cellphone. Prosecutors said Martinez has no criminal background.
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