Off Duty Cook County Sheriff Killed, Who was Rafael D. Wordlaw?

Off Duty Cook County Sheriff Killed

An off-duty Cook County Sheriff's deputy, Rafael D. Wordlaw, was killed in a shootout during a robbery attempt at a gas station in Chicago’s West Woodlawn neighborhood. This happened around 1:30 a.m. A man tried to rob the gas station, pulled out a gun, and the deputy also drew his weapon. They exchanged gunfire, and the robber ran away on foot. The police have taken a person of interest into custody.

Police and sheriff's vehicles later escorted Wordlaw's body from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. By late Tuesday afternoon, Chicago police said they had a person of interest in custody, but no charges had been filed yet. (Source: CBS news)

Who was Rafael D. Wordlaw?

Wordlaw worked as a corrections officer at Cook County Jail’s Division 6 and started in February 2020. He was raised by his aunt and went to Urban Prep Academy. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University.

Police officers honored Wordlaw by saluting as his body was brought to the Cook County medical examiner’s office on Tuesday morning.

Rafael D. Wordlaw Death

Rafael D. Wordlaw's death affected his family and the community. Wordlaw’s cousin Jordan Wilson said, “We have to do better to stop the senseless violence." He continued, "That was senseless. He was a hardworking young man. He did not deserve that.”

The sheriff’s office said in a statement that it was 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.

Shooting at Clark Gas Station

The shooting happened at a Clark gas station at East 67th Street and South Eberhart Avenue. The gas station attendant said he wasn't working at the time and wouldn't share the surveillance video.

A nearby resident named Michelle told the Sun-Times she heard many gunshots and saw cars quickly leaving the area. She said the block is usually quiet, mostly with older residents, and the gas station has been the only source of problems. Video from the scene showed many shell casings.