From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
A 911 dispatcher was killed on her way through Back of the Yards
Natalia Rodriguez spent a decade answering Chicago's worst moments, then was shot while driving home through the South Side.
In brief
Natalia Rodriguez spent a decade answering Chicago's worst moments, then was shot while driving home through the South Side. A $10,000 anonymous-tip reward is open for information on who shot Natalia Rodriguez in the 4500 block of South Wood Street. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Shot while driving
Natalia Rodriguez, 50, was driving in the 4500 block of South Wood Street early Friday when gunfire struck her multiple times.
The car kept going
Hit by the shots, she lost control and crashed into a parked SUV in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on the South Side.
She died at Stroger
Paramedics took Rodriguez to Stroger Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Chicago police said.
She worked the 911 lines
Rodriguez was a dispatcher and call taker for Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications, the agency that answers the city's 911 calls.
Ten years on the job
She had served OEMC for a decade, long enough that the department described her as a close colleague and friend to many across those years.
“Throughout her decade of service to this department, Natalia was a close colleague and friend to many.”
OEMC calls it a loss
Mary May of OEMC called Rodriguez a hard worker and a dedicated call taker, and sent the department's condolences to her family.
“Natalia's passing is a terrible loss to her family and to OEMC.”
Her work stands
The agency said her contributions to 911 operations and to the city would not be forgotten.
“Her contributions to 9-1-1 Operations and the City of Chicago will not be forgotten.”
A $10,000 reward
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering $10,000 in cash for information that leads to an arrest in the shooting.
Tragic and disturbing
Crime Stoppers spokesperson Paul Rutherford said the killing was especially hard because Rodriguez had spent her career serving Chicagoans.
“This is an especially tragic and disturbing homicide involving a woman who dedicated herself to serving the people of Chicago.”
She helped in the worst moments
Rutherford pointed to the grim symmetry: her job was to help people in crisis, and now her family, friends and coworkers are the ones grieving.
“Natalia Rodriguez's job was to help others in their most critical moments.”
Tips stay anonymous
No name is required. Tipsters get a code number instead, which they can later use to claim an approved reward.
How to call it in
Reach the Cook County Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-535-STOP (7867) or submit online at CPDTIP.com.
“Someone knows what happened. Make the call. Submit the tip. Remain anonymous.”
The key point
A $10,000 anonymous-tip reward is open for information on who shot Natalia Rodriguez in the 4500 block of South Wood Street.
