Moment retired firefighter, 65, is killed in shootout with three Chicago carjackers as he returned to his Jeep after buying popcorn
A courageous retired firefighter was killed in a shootout while fighting back against three carjackers in Chicago.
Police have released a video of the shooting of retired CFD Lieutenant Dwain Williams, 65, in an attempted to catch the gang who struck last Thursday afternoon while he was buying popcorn.
In the video, father-of-four Williams is seen walking toward his Jeep with a bag in his hand when a four-door dark-colored sedan pulls up.
The men tried to take the Williams’ vehicle — a maroon Jeep Cherokee with festive reindeer antlers attached to it — and one of the assailants took out a gun and fired at least one shot, striking the victim in the abdomen.
Williams had his own gun and fired at the assailants, but his wound proved fatal. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m.
Retired CFD Lieutenant Dwain Williams, 63, was fatally shot during a car hijacking attempt at around 2pm last Thursday
CCTV footage shows Williams exiting a shop when suddenly a car pulls up and three suspects get out
Williams, a father of four, finds his gun and begins exchanging gunfire with the three assailant
Police said there are four suspects involved in the crime outside the popcorn shop in the 2400 block of West 118th Street in Chicago’s Beverly Woods, though the driver of their car cannot be seen in the video because he never got out of the car.
At least three of them were armed, according to police.
'You saw three suspects exit the car,' said Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan. 'We believe at least two of them discharged their weapons.'
'You can see how horrific a crime this was, and we’re trying to bring these offenders to justice and give the family some peace in this as well,' Chief of Detectives Chief Deenihan said at a news conference Monday at Chicago Police headquarters.
Police said Williams was making his regular visit to a Morgan Park popcorn shop when the father of four was murdered.
Chicago Police are now appealing for information.
CPD wrote on Twitter: 'Detectives are seeking information that will help identify the suspects involved in the fatal shooting of a retired CFD Lieutenant on December 3, 2020.
'Anyone w/info should contact Area 2 Detectives at 312-747-8271 or anonymously submit a tip to cpdtip.com.'
According to police, Williams had been making his regular trip to the Morgan Park popcorn shop when the incident happened.
Investigators believe the suspects followed Williams to the popcorn shop after seeing his car earlier in the day, Deenihan said.
Williams was a beloved Chicago Fire Department lieutenant who retired about two years ago after joining in 1992, officials said. He was about to return to work as a civilian employee at the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.
The Chicago Fire Department paid tribute to Williams, saying: 'Sadly I report the death of retired CFD Lieutenant Dwain Williams.
'Who was shot during an apparent vehicle hijacking this afternoon. He retired from the job about 2 years ago at the age of 63. Our hearts are heavy tonight.'
At least $34,000 is being offered as a reward for information leading to an arrest.
The Chicago Fire Department paid tribute to Williams, saying: 'Sadly I report the death of retired CFD Lieutenant Dwain Williams.
'Who was shot during an apparent vehicle hijacking this afternoon. He retired from the job about 2 years ago at the age of 63. Our hearts are heavy tonight.'
A group of activists and organizations, including the anti-violence group “I’m Telling, Don’t Shoot,” have put up a combined reward of $34,000 for information leading to any arrests in his killing.
Speaking at a news conference, Early Walker, founder of the group 'I'm Telling, Don't Shoot' who have put up a large slice of the reward said: 'He was trying to get some popcorn, and his life was taken over a vehicle.'
'Here is a man that gave his life to the city, finally was able to retire to try and enjoy his life and now his life has been taken.'
Williams’ death comes as amid a huge increase in carjackings in Chicago.
Figures show there have been 1,254 carjackings so far this year which is more than double the 514 carjackings reported all of last year.
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