CHICAGO — An off-duty Cook County sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot during a robbery attempt at a Woodlawn service station on Tuesday morning, officials said.
Rafael Wordlaw, 31, was at a gas station in the 500 block of East 67th Street when a gunman approached him around 1:26 a.m., Chicago police said. The men got into an altercation after the gunman announced a robbery, possibly intending to take Wordlaw’s Chevy Camaro.
A witness said Wordlaw returned fire during the confrontation, but the offender, who ran from the scene, apparently escaped unharmed. He was described as a man dressed in all-black clothing and white shoes.
Wordlaw tried to drive away from the scene after suffering a gunshot wound to his chest, police said. Officers found him in the 6700 block of South Indiana, where he crashed into a light pole.
A ShotSpotter detected 20 rounds fired, followed quickly by 22 more. Ultimately, 69 shell casings were found at the scene, along with parts of a handgun, a source said.
In a statement, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said, “Our hearts go out to the deputy’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners at the Sheriff’s Office as well as the Chicago Police Department to bring those responsible to justice.”
