A tragic incident unfolded early Tuesday morning in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighbourhood when an off-duty Cook County Sheriff’s deputy was killed during a robbery attempt at a gas station.
Rafael D. Wordlaw, a 31-year-old Chicago deputy, was at a gas station in the 500 block of East 67th Street at around 1:30 in the morning. Police records state that Wordlaw was approached by an armed person who tried to rob him. Wordlaw drew his own gun in retaliation, and the two engaged in gunfire.
After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot. Wordlaw attempted to drive away after being hit in the chest, but crashed into a nearby pole.
He was declared dead after being taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
Though there have been no arrests as of Tuesday morning, the Chicago Police Department is still aggressively investigating the matter. Police Area 1 detectives are in charge of the inquiry.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged Wordlaw’s identity and conveyed their sorrow for his passing in a statement. They said, “Sheriff’s Office staff are with the Deputy’s family as well as with the Sheriff’s Office team to provide support and resources as they navigate this senseless tragedy.”
Wordlaw’s body was later transported from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office by a convoy of police and sheriff’s cars.
Law enforcement officials and the community mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant even as they continue to search for the perpetrator of this tragic incident.
