City and federal officials have increased a reward to $35,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the killing of an Office of Emergency Management and Communications dispatcher last month.
Natalia Rodriguez was fatally shot Sept. 11 in the Back of the Yards neighborhood.
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.
Crime Stoppers initially offered a $10,000 reward, but now the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has added $20,000, and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, the union for rank-and-file Chicago cops, added another $5,000, according to a statement from Crime Stoppers.
A news conference is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Friday in the 4500 block of South Wood Street to encourage anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has information about the person or persons responsible to come forward, according to Crime Stoppers.
In a statement issued shortly after the attack, Mary May, of the OEMC, expressed the office’s “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,” 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. Her contributions to 911 Operations and the City of Chicago will not be forgotten,” the statement concluded.
Tipsters can remain completely anonymous, according to Crime Stoppers. 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 by calling the Cook County Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 800-535-7867 or online at: www.CPDTIP.com