Chicago security guard fatally shoots man who attacked him with ax outside weed dispensary

CHICAGO - A security guard working at a local dispensary fatally shot a man who attacked him with an ax Monday morning on Chicago's Near West Side.

The incident unfolded about an hour after Zen Leaf Dispensary, located in the 200 block of South Halsted Street in the city’s Greektown neighborhood, opened for the day.

Around 10:05 a.m., a male offender got into a verbal altercation outside the business with a 37-year-old man who was working security there, according to police.

"I was very surprised. It’s definitely scary," said Kwesi Mintah, who lives nearby. "You show your ID, walk in, walk out – usually no commotion or anything," said Mintah.

Things escalated and the offender began to swing an ax at the security guard, slashing him in the leg.

A struggle ensued and the security guard fired shots at the offender, police said.

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The offender was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

It’s unclear if the offender was a dispensary customer.

The victim was taken to an area hospital with lacerations to his left leg. He was listed in good condition.

"Just baffling, and I wouldn’t expect it to happen at this Zen Leaf," said Sam Forbes, who lives nearby. "The staff that work here are really nice so it’s just unfortunate that it happened at this location and at all really."

Sam Forbes said it's not unusual for security to stand outside during peak hours.

Despite the Labor Day holiday, Zen Leaf opened at 9 a.m. Monday, according to its website.

"I’ve been here before when there’s been a security outside that’s told me, ‘it’s just too busy right now,’ they’ve told us we can’t allow any more people in here," said Forbes.

A representative with the company confirmed to FOX 32 Chicago over the phone that an incident took place Monday morning – and that the store was closed until further notice.

Area Three detectives are investigating this incident.