On September 26, 2024, 23-year-old pizza delivery driver Steven Cotner was fatally shot during a robbery in Calumet City, Illinois. Steven worked for Windy City Pizza Works and was accompanying his sister, Allison, on a delivery to the 400 block of Merrill Avenue at about 8 p.m. The delivery call was a ruse that set up an armed robbery. Two teens dressed in black, with only their eyes visible, approached Allison’s car and one pointed a gun at her and demanded money. Allison said she had none.

Steven, acting as security for his sister, intervened. One suspect struck Allison in the left eye with the grip of the gun, causing bruising and two stitches. A struggle followed and two gunshots were heard; Steven was shot in the back and later died at the hospital. Investigators from the Calumet City Police Department and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force canvassed the neighborhood for witnesses and evidence, describing the incident as appearing to be a robbery gone bad. Steven’s family from Hammond, Indiana, said he was the fifth of six children and known for his protective nature; they set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs.

If anyone witnessed the robbery or has information about the men who approached the car, please share what is known.