Deputy Killed In Gas Station Shooting ID'd

CHICAGO, IL — A 31-year-old man who was fatally shot early Tuesday during an altercation at a South Side gas station was an off-duty Cook County Sheriff's Deputy, according to reports.

The Cook County Medical Examiner identified him as Rafael D. Wordlaw of Chicago.

Wordlaw died while protecting his cousin during an apparent robbery attempt, ABC Chicago reported.

Sheriff Tom Dart told the outlet that Wordlaw was known as "officer friendly," and his father had also been a police officer. A relative called him a funny, loving "family protector."

Chicago police said Wordlaw was at a Clark gas station in the 500 block of East 67th Street just before 1:30 a.m. when he was approached by an unidentified suspect. According to police, "a verbal altercation ensued, and the male offender produced a handgun."

Police said Wordlaw also drew his gun and exchanged fire with the male suspect, who fled on foot.

The 31-year-old off-duty deputy sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. Police said he attempted to drive away to get help in his vehicle, which came to a stop after hitting a pole in the 6700 block of Indiana Avenue.

Wordlaw was taken to the University of Chicago hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office issued a statement saying an off-duty deputy was killed in a shooting early Tuesday on 67th Street, WGN reported. Fox Chicago also identified the victim as an off-duty 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 sheriff's office said in a statement.

Police said a person of interest was taken into custody on Tuesday.