Off-Duty Chicago FF Shot Multiple Times While Mowing Lawn

An off-duty Chicago firefighter was shot and wounded while mowing his lawn and talking with neighbors Thursday night.

The shooting happened at around 6:45 p.m. in the city's  Fernwood neighborhood, the Chicago Tribune reports. According to police, the veteran firefighter, 54, was not the intended target, and he returned fire in self-defense after he was wounded multiple times.

The firefighter was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn following the shooting. He suffered gunshot wounds to his ankle, right leg and buttocks, according to the Tribune.

Police said the suspected shooter had fired 13 times on the firefighter and a group of friends he was talking with near an alley or gangway. Before opening fire, the suspected gunman had run past the individuals.

Although the firefighter had fired back at the suspected gunman, his shots didn't hit anyone. Police who eventually arrived at the scene were able to catch up with the suspect and take him into custody.

As of Friday afternoon, no charges had been filed in the shooting.

The firefighter, who has been with the department since 1994, has a valid concealed carry license, the Tribune added.