Off-duty Cook County Sheriff's deputy killed in South Side shootout

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - An off-duty Cook County Sheriff’s deputy is dead following an overnight shootout on the South Side.

Chicago Police said the 31-year-old deputy was at the Clark gas station near 67th and Marquette Road, at around 1:30 a.m., when he was confronted by a male suspect. The two began arguing, and the suspect then took out a gun.

The victim took out his gun, police said, and a shootout took place.

The suspect fled the scene on foot.

The off-duty officer suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and tried to leave the scene in his car but crashed, hitting a pole at 67th and Indiana.

He was transported to University of Chicago Medical Center but later died. The Cook County Medical Examiner has identified him as Rafael Wordlaw.

No one is in custody. Area One Detectives are investigating.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victim was an off-duty corrections deputy.

“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,” the office said in a statement.

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