🚨 CHICAGO 911 CALL TAKER SHOT AND KILLED — THE WOMAN WHO ANSWERED CHICAGO’S CALLS BECOMES A VICTIM OF THE CITY’S VIOLENCE
— Chicago Flips Red (@FlipChicagoRed) September 12, 2026
CHICAGO — Natalia Rodriguez spent a decade helping Chicagoans during some of the worst moments of their lives.
On Friday morning, the 50-year-old Chicago… pic.twitter.com/To9nxcM8T5
On Friday morning, the 50-year-old Chicago 911 call taker became a victim herself.
Rodriguez, a Police Communications Operator with Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), was driving south in the 4500 block of South Wood Street in Back of the Yards around 12:17 a.m. when she was struck by multiple gunshots.
Her SUV crashed into a parked vehicle. Rodriguez was transported to Stroger Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
OEMC said Rodriguez had served the department for 10 years, describing her as a hard worker and dedicated call taker whose contributions to Chicago’s 911 operations would not be forgotten. (NBC Chicago)
Think about that.
A WOMAN WHO SPENT 10 YEARS ANSWERING CHICAGOANS’ CALLS FOR HELP WAS SHOT AND KILLED ON A CHICAGO STREET.
As of the latest reports, Chicago police have announced no arrests, and Area One detectives are investigating. Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment.
15th Ward Ald. Ray Lopez told reporters that multiple armed individuals may have been involved and characterized the shooting as suspected gang violence. Chicago police have not publicly confirmed that account, so CFR will continue following what investigators establish.
THIS IS THE SECOND OEMC EMPLOYEE SHOT AND KILLED THIS YEAR
Rodriguez’s death comes only months after 36-year-old Da’J Flowers, a senior administrative assistant with OEMC, was found shot to death inside her West Ridge apartment on February 6.
A suspect wanted in connection with Flowers’ killing was arrested in Washington state earlier this month.
Two women.
Two City of Chicago employees.
Both worked for the agency responsible for helping Chicago respond when people are in danger.
Both became victims of gun violence themselves.
Chicago politicians can continue debating statistics and telling residents whether the city is getting “safer.”
But families don’t bury statistics.
Natalia Rodriguez was a real person who served this city for a decade.
CFR sends condolences to her family, friends and the OEMC employees who worked beside her.
Anyone with information about Rodriguez’s killing can contact authorities anonymously at 1-800-535-STOP (7867) or submit information through CPD’s tip system.
CHICAGO FLIPS RED
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