Owner Confronts Burglars at Gunpoint During Break-in at Tony's Deli in Edison Park

A routine check on a local business turned life-threatening in Edison Park when the owner of Tony's Deli walked in on active burglars, who subsequently pulled a firearm on him before escaping.

The dramatic incident took place on November 15, 2025, at the popular delicatessen located in the 6700-block of North Northwest Highway. According to reports from the Chicago Police Department, the business owner arrived at the shop and interrupted a break-in already in progress. Instead of fleeing immediately, the thieves confronted the owner, brandishing a handgun and pointing it at him to secure their getaway.

A Narrow Escape in Broad Daylight

Fortunately, the owner was not physically injured during the brief but intense standoff. The suspects fled the scene shortly after the confrontation and remain at large. Local business owners in the Edison Park neighborhood expressed shock at the brazen nature of the crime, particularly the willingness of the suspects to threaten the owner with a deadly weapon.

“It is one thing to deal with property theft, but to have a gun pulled on a business owner just trying to protect their livelihood is deeply disturbing,” said a neighboring merchant. “This is a quiet area, and this kind of violence is highly unusual for Northwest Highway.”

Police Launch Search for Armed Suspects

Detectives are actively investigating the armed burglary and are searching for the suspects involved. Officers have canvassed the 6700-block of North Northwest Highway, looking for surveillance footage from traffic cameras and neighboring retail spaces. Chicago Police have cautioned business owners not to directly confront suspects in active break-ins, advising them instead to keep a safe distance and call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspects or suspicious activity in the area on November 15 is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department's Area Detective division.