Watch CBS News

Disgruntled Former Employee In Custody After Shooting At Lawry's The Prime Rib

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A disgruntled former employee was in custody after a shooting and robbery late Sunday night at a legendary River North steakhouse.

Police said the former employee went into Lawry's The Prime Rib around 11:45 p.m. -- nearly 4 hours after the restaurant closed -- then tied up three employees in a locker room, took their phones, shot one of them in the arm, and assaulted the other two.

Some other employees were able to hide in the basement.

The suspect was arrested a short time later near the Chicago Avenue subway station along the CTA Red Line.

Police Supt. Eddie Johnson said the suspect has a history with Lawry's, and insisted the public is not in danger.

"I just want to reiterate that that is a safe area of the city. It's an isolated incident. The person was a former employee," he said.

The three employees who were tied up were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Their injuries were not considered to be life threatening.

Julio Ayala was working nearby and saw the commotion just steps from Michigan Avenue. He described the incident as shocking and nerve-wracking.

"I'm nervous. We've got to make sure our doors are locked, and make sure that all of our building is secure throughout the nights," he said.

Police said a gun has been recovered. Area Central detectives were investigating.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.