Phoenix arrest leads to Chicago attempted murder charge in November Jewel-Osco shooting, police confirm extradition

Suspect taken into custody out of state after Bronzeville grocery store gunfire

A 19-year-old Chicago man has been arrested in Phoenix and charged in connection with a shooting inside a South Side Jewel-Osco that left three people with gunshot wounds in November 2025. Authorities say the suspect was extradited back to Chicago and faces a charge of attempted first-degree murder.

The case centers on a Nov. 11, 2025 incident at the Jewel-Osco in the 400 block of East 34th Street in Bronzeville, inside the Lake Meadows Shopping Center. The shooting occurred shortly before 11 a.m., during a busy daytime period for the store.

What investigators say happened inside the store

Police allege that two suspects entered the grocery store and attempted to leave with merchandise without paying. A 46-year-old man described by witnesses as a security guard confronted them as they tried to exit.

Investigators allege the 19-year-old opened fire during that confrontation. The 46-year-old was struck multiple times and was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in serious condition at the time. Two bystanders were also wounded: a 29-year-old woman who was shot in the foot and a 67-year-old woman who suffered a graze injury and declined hospital transport.

Customers and employees took cover inside the store as shots were fired, while others ran from the scene.

Arrest in Phoenix and court proceedings in Chicago

Authorities say the suspect was located and arrested in Phoenix on Feb. 13, 2026, and then extradited to Chicago. He was identified as Elijah Theodore, 19, with an address listed in the Washington Park neighborhood.

Following his return to Illinois, Theodore was charged with attempted first-degree murder. A judge ordered him detained during a court appearance on Feb. 14, 2026. Court records show additional hearings were scheduled as the case moves forward.

Key verified details in the case so far

• Date and location of shooting: Nov. 11, 2025, at the Jewel-Osco at 443 E. 34th St. in Chicago.
• Number of gunshot victims reported by police: three people.
• Most seriously injured: a 46-year-old security guard hospitalized in serious condition at the time.
• Arrest location and date: Phoenix, Arizona, on Feb. 13, 2026.
• Charge announced: attempted first-degree murder.

What remains unresolved

Authorities have not publicly detailed whether a second suspect has been charged or how investigators tracked the accused to Arizona. Officials also have not released an updated medical condition for the 46-year-old victim following the initial hospitalization. The investigation remains active as prosecutors proceed with the attempted murder case in Cook County.