Off-duty Cook County Sheriff's deputy killed in shootout at gas station on Chicago's South Side
CHICAGO (CBS) — An off-duty Cook County Sheriff's deputy died after a shootout during a robbery attempt at a gas station in Chicago's West Woodlawn neighborhood early Tuesday, and a person of interest was in police custody late in the day.
Police said just before 1:30 a.m., the 31-year-old man was at a gas station in the 500 block of East 67th Street when another man approached and pulled out a handgun.
The victim also pulled out a gun and exchanged gunfire with the would-be robber, who fled on foot. Police said the victim was the target of an attempted robbery.
The Cook County Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim was an off-duty deputy. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified him as Rafael D. Wordlaw, of Chicago.
Chicago police said Wordlaw was shot in the chest and tried to leave the scene in his car but crashed into a nearby pole. He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he died.
A procession of police and sheriff's vehicles later escorted Wordlaw's body from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Chicago police said a person of interest was in custody, but no charges had been announced.
"Y'all took him from us"
The Cook County Sheriff's Office 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 family was in shock and spoke about the loss of their loved one. He was days away from turning 32.
"If you have any answers, just let us know," said Tina Dukes, his cousin. "Y'all hurt us. Turn yourself in. That's all I can say."
Sherica Henry, another cousin of Wordlaw, said, "I know he's up there looking down telling us don't cry, but it's hard. It's very hard."
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said his colleagues "loved him. They absolutely adored this man."
Wordlaw was a deputy for several years and an Englewood native. His family said he did everything right.
"He strived and he strived and he strived until he said 'I'm going to keep reaching the top,'" Henry said. "'I'm going to keep on reaching to the top' and that's what he did, but y'all took an angel from us. He's a fallen angel and y'all just took him from us."