Off-Duty Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Fatally Shot in Woodlawn Shootout
CHICAGO (WLS) – A Cook County Sheriff’s deputy was tragically killed early Tuesday morning in a shootout and subsequent car crash in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood.
Rafael Wordlaw, 31, was off-duty when he became involved in an altercation with an unidentified man at a gas station in the 500 block of East 67th Street around 1:26 a.m. The confrontation escalated into a gun battle, leaving Wordlaw wounded.
Despite his injuries, Wordlaw attempted to flee the scene but crashed his vehicle into a pole in the 6700 block of South Indiana Avenue. He was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he later died.
Wordlaw was a beloved member of the community and a dedicated public servant. Known affectionately as “Law Law,” he was highly regarded by his colleagues for his commitment to duty and his work building positive relationships within the neighborhood.
The suspect in the shooting remains at large. Chicago police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Deputy Wordlaw and has pledged support to his family.