Chicago: Off-Duty Deputy Killed During Shootout with Robber

Cook County sheriff’s Deputy Rafael Wordlaw was fatally shot during an attempted robbery
Cook County Sheriff’s Office

An off-duty Cook County Sheriff’s deputy was killed just before 1:30 a.m. in a shootout during a robbery at a gas station in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported the incident occurred at a station “in the 500 block of East 67th Street.”

The suspect approached the deputy, 31-year-0ld Rafael D. Wordlaw, and allegedly “tried to rob him.”

Wordlaw and the suspect then exchanged gunfire and Wordlaw was shot in the chest.

RELATED: Chicago Under Siege — Robbers Steal from Gas Stations at Gunpoint

Chicago Police

Wordlaw attempted to drive himself for medical care, but ended up crashing his vehicle. He died from his gunshot wound.

CWB Chicago noted that a witness saw Wordlaw exchange gunfire with the suspect then watched the suspect run from the scene, apparently unharmed.

Nearly 70 shell casings were found at the scene.

Cook County State Attorney’s Office released a statement which said, ““Our hearts go out to the deputy’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners at the Sheriff’s Office as well as the Chicago Police Department to bring those responsible to justice.”

AWR Hawkins is an award-winning Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and the writer/curator of Down Range with AWR Hawkins, a weekly newsletter focused on all things Second Amendment, also for Breitbart News. He is the political analyst for Armed American Radio, a member of Gun Owners of America, and the director of global marketing for Lone Star Hunts. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal in 2010 and has a Ph.D. in Military History. Follow him on Instagram: @awr_hawkins. You can sign up to get Down Range at breitbart.com/downrange. Reach him directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Authored by Awr Hawkins via Breitbart July 30th 2024