On Tuesday morning, tragedy struck in the Woodlawn area as an off-duty deputy from the Cook County Sheriff’s Department was fatally shot and involved in a collision, according to reports from Chicago police and the sheriff’s department. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office officially identified the individual as Rafael Wordlaw.
The deputy was escorted from the hospital to the medical examiner’s office in a solemn procession by officers at around 9 a.m. Chicago police reported that the deputy was at a gas station in Woodlawn at approximately 1:26 a.m. when a shooter approached—and tried to rob him.
There was an exchange of gunfire at the Clark Gas Station on East 67th Street in the 500-block, following which the suspect fled the scene.
Several empty bullet casings were spotted strewn across the ground. The deputy sustained injuries to his chest. Authorities reported that he returned to his vehicle after the altercation to seek assistance. Still, his car collided with a pole a few blocks away on South Indiana Avenue in the 6700 block. After hitting parked cars, the vehicle eventually came to a stop. Subsequently, the injured individual was transported to the University of Chicago, where he later passed away.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office statement mentioned that they are providing support and resources to the Deputy’s family and the Sheriff’s Office Team as they deal with this tragic situation.
At this time, the police are continuing to search for the gunman. They have stated that nobody has been taken into custody.
