‘Hardworking’ and ‘dedicated’ OEMC dispatcher slain overnight in Back of the Yards, OEMC says

The Cook County Crime Stoppers are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the “especially tragic and disturbing” shooting death of an Office of Emergency and Management and Communications dispatcher early Friday in the Back of the Yards on the South Side, according to the organization.

Natalia Rodriguez, 50, was driving in the 4500 block of South Wood Street when she was struck by gunfire multiple times, causing her to crash into a parked SUV, Chicago police and the Cook County Crime Stoppers said.

She was taken to Stroger Hospital where she died, police said.

In a statement, Mary May, of the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), said Rodriguez was a hard worker, and a long-time “dedicated” staffer and extended their “deepest condolences” to her family.

“Throughout her decade of service to this department, Natalia was a close colleague and friend to many who worked alongside her throughout the years,” May said in the statement.

“Professionally, she was a hard worker and dedicated call taker. Natalia’s passing is a terrible loss to her family and to OEMC,” the statement concluded. “Her contributions to 9-1-1 Operations and the City of Chicago will not be forgotten.”

Crimestoppers, which is offering a $10,000 cash reward, also released a statement.

“This is an especially tragic and disturbing homicide involving a woman who dedicated herself to serving the people of Chicago as an emergency communications dispatcher,” said the statement from spokesperson Paul Rutherford. “Natalia Rodriguez’s job was to help others in their most critical moments, and now her family, friends, coworkers, and the entire Chicago community are left mourning her loss.”

Tipsters can remain completely anonymous. No name is required, and individuals submitting information will receive a code number that can be used to claim an approved reward.

Submit a tip to: Cook County Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 1-800-535-STOP (7867)
Online: www.CPDTIP.com

“Someone knows what happened. Someone may know who was responsible,” Rutherford said in the statement. “Make the call. Submit the tip. Remain anonymous. Save a life and help solve this case.”