Off-duty Cook County deputy killed in Woodlawn shootout, crash ID'd

An off-duty Cook County Sheriff's deputy was killed after a shootout and crash in the Woodlawn neighborhood Tuesday morning, Chicago police and the sheriff's department said.

He's now been identified to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Rafael Wordlaw.

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Officers held a procession for the deputy, carrying him from the hospital - to the medical examiner's office, just after 9 a.m.

Chicago police said the deputy was at a gas station around 1:26 a.m. this morning in Woodlawn when a gunman approached and tried to rob him.

The two exchanged gunfire at the Clark Gas Station in the 500-block of East 67th Street and then the suspect ran away.

Several shell casings were seen scattered on the ground.

The deputy was shot in the chest. Police said he got back into his car, after the shootout to get help.

Chicago shootings: Tracking gun violence in 2024

But his car crashed into a pole a few blocks away in the 6700-block of South Indiana Avenue.

The vehicle came to a stop after hitting a pole parked cars there along the street.

The victim was then taken to the University of Chicago where he later died.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office saying in a statement, "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."

Police are still looking for the gunman at this hour. They said no one is in custody.

Chicago shootings: Tracking gun violence in 2024