Retired Chicago firefighter shot dead in carjacking attempt

CHICAGO (AP) - A retired lieutenant of the Chicago Fire Department was killed when he exchanged gunfire with carjackers as he walked to his vehicle from a popcorn shop, authorities said Thursday.

Dwain P. Williams, 65, was confronted Thursday afternoon by four carjackers who got out of a dark sedan and was shot once in the abdomen during an 'œexchange of gunfire,'ť said Chicago police Chief of Operations Brian McDermott It was not known if any of the four attackers were hit. Williams was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.

The suspects were last seen fleeing in the sedan, McDermott said.

Fire department spokesman Larry Langford said Williams retired about two years ago, having joined the department in 1992.

'œOur hearts are heavy tonight,''² Langford added.

Williams' final assignment was with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where he was going to return to work as a civilian employee as soon as next week, according to Langford.

Workers at the shop, Let's Get Poppin' on Chicago's South Side, said Williams was regular there and had just left before the shooting.

Police were canvassing the area on and trying to find witnesses and private video surveillance.

McDermott acknowledged there has been a spike in carjackings across Chicago.

'œThe Chicago Police Department is well aware of the increase in vehicle hijackings, we're doing our best right now to increase the capabilities of our citywide task force,'ť McDermott said.

The Cook County medical examiner's office says an autopsy was scheduled for Friday. No arrests have been reported.