During a hearing today, Judge Laura Sullivan set bail for Mack at $750,000 in his absence.



Assistant State's Attorney Erin Antoinetti said Mack and the other robber entered the store at about 5:30 p.m. The accomplice pointed a gun at Quizhpe and Aucaquizhpe while Mack went behind the counter and started removing money from the cash register, Antoinetti said.



During a struggle with Quizhpe, the gunman fired and hit Quizhpe in the leg and Mack in the abdomen, Antoinetti said.



"Defendant Mack tried to get out of the store but was unable to because of the security system," Antoinetti said. The accomplice was able to hit the security buzzer, even though he was repeatedly hit by a bat by Quizhpe, she said. Mack was taken into custody at Stroger and "gave an admission to police," Antoinetti said.



Mack has an extensive criminal history that includes a 2007 conviction for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, for which he was sentenced to six years in prison. He also has two felony narcotics convictions and a 1994 conviction for aggravated stalking.



Reached at his home this morning, Luis Quizhpe said he hoped the quick arrest acts as a deterrent. "Hopefully (the robbers) won't have the chance to commit those things again," he said. "Who knows how many victims are out there or could be."



Still, he said the arrest "doesn't really make me feel better. You have to put it in God's hands. God was with me and he was the one who permitted me to defend myself and get away. I hope this leads to changes and for things to calm down and reduce crime."



But his wife Aida Quizhpe said she was happy. "Thank God that justice is there so they can't be doing more harm to more people who are struggling to make an honest living without doing harm to anyone.



"They had decided to fire so many shots," she added. "I don't think your ordinary criminal does that."



She said the gunman lacked a basic respect for life. "Only God should take our life," she said. "I don't wish them any harm but I want justice to be served. We will continue crying and praying for them."



"They probably didn't get the education or love from their parents, Aida Quizhpe continued. "They must have missed out on a lot a love. I feel that people who are surrounded by a lot of love, love people and don't want to hurt anyone."