Cook County

Security Guard Fatally Shot in Robbins Bar Was a ‘Hero,' Friend Says

Midlothian’s police chief called Roberson a brave man and described what happened as a “blue on blue” shooting: a friendly fire incident.

Troy Gardner wants investigators to truly find out why a Midlothian police officer shot and killed his good friend.

“They [mistook] my brother for something he wasn’t,” he said. “I’m a christian man. I just want justice to be served."

Early Sunday morning, Illinois State Police officials say Jemel Roberson, who had been working as a security guard, had been shot and killed by that Midlothian police officer during an active shooter situation at Manny’s Blue Room Lounge in Robbins.

Illinois State Police officials say witnesses told them that the officer had ordered Roberson to put his gun down several times before firing the fatal shot.

The attorney, Lee Merritt, for Roberson’s one surviving child says witnesses have told him that Roberson had been wearing more than one item of clothing with the word "security" written on it as he subdued the shooting suspect until police arrived.

“He was wearing a hat that said security jacket that said security and he was wearing a vest that also said security,” Merritt said. "It is a tremendous loss for a 9-month-old boy not be able to see his father again."

Midlothian police say the officer in question is white and has been on the department for four years.

He serves as a patrol officer, but also happens to be a member of a regional SWAT team.

Midlothian’s police chief called Roberson a brave man and described what happened as a “blue on blue” shooting: a friendly fire incident.

"He was brave enough to not take cover," Garner said of his friend Roberson. "That right there makes him a hero."

Contact Us