Shocking moment courageous retired firefighter is killed in shootout while fighting back against three carjackers in Chicago

A courageous retired firefighter was killed in a shootout while fighting back against three carjackers in Chicago. 

Retired CFD Lieutenant Dwain Williams, 63, was fatally shot during a car hijacking attempt at around 2pm last Thursday. 

The incident happened outside a popcorn shop in the 2400 block of West 118th Street in Chicago’s Beverly Woods neighborhood.

Police have released a video of the incident in an attempt to catch the suspects.

In the video,  father-of-four Williams is seen walking toward his Jeep with a bag in his hand when a car pulls up and three suspects jump out.

Williams then retreats behind his car as one of the suspects comes towards him with a gun in his hand. Williams then pulls out his own gun and is seen firing shots at the suspect, who falls to the ground before jumping back into the car and fleeing.

One of them struck Williams in the abdomen before they got back into the car and drove off.

 

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

“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 Brendan Deenihan said at a news conference Monday at Chicago Police headquarters.

At least three of them were armed, according to police.  

Chicago Police are now appealing for information. 

Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Brendan Deenihan said: '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.'

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.