Holly MatkinChicago, IL – Chicago police have arrested a 15-year-old boy on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the homicide of retired Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Lieutenant Dwain Williams.
Lt. Williams, 65, was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with a group of armed carjackers outside a gourmet popcorn shop on Dec. 3.
The teen, whose name is not being released due to his age, is facing charges of robbery armed with a firearm and first-degree murder, WGN reported.
He is slated to appear in juvenile court on Thursday.
It is unclear whether or not the other suspects involved in the ambush attack have been identified.
Lt. Williams had just left Let’s Get Poppin’ on South Western Avenue and was heading out to his vehicle with the brazen attack occurred at approximately 2 p.m., KSAZ reported.
Security footage showed the suspects as they pulled up near Lt. Williams’ maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was decorated with reindeer antlers and a red Rudolph nose.
The suspect vehicle was still rolling to a stop when three men jumped out and charged towards the veteran firefighter, the video showed.
Lt. Williams jumped behind the hood of his Jeep as the would-be carjackers opened fire.
He drew his own weapon and returned fire, sending his attackers scurrying back to their getaway vehicle.
The three gunmen jumped inside as the driver sped off, the video showed.
#Chicago #Illinois
*potentially disturbing*
Chicago police have released the following CCTV footage seeking the publics help for information.“Retired Chicago FD Lieutenant Dwain Williams, 65, was fatally shot during a car hijacking attempt at around 2pm last Thursday.” pic.twitter.com/EOojOnbnuN
— Shane B. Murphy (@shanermurph) December 8, 2020
The retired lieutenant suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen during the shootout, Chicago Police Department (CPD) Operations Chief Brian McDermott told reporters, according to KSAZ.
He was rushed to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, Chief McDermott said.
Police said Lt. Williams visited the popcorn shop on a near-daily basis.
They don’t believe he knew the armed carjackers.
His grieving wife, Karen Armstrong Williams, described her husband as “a gentle, loving spirit,” WMAQ reported.
Lt. Williams served the CFD for 28 years before retiring approximately two years ago, CFD spokesperson Larry Langford told KSAZ.
He then went to work for the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, WMAQ reported.
“I can tell you he was a hero,” Chicago Alderman Matt O’Shea said. “He spent his entire career working hard as a first responder for our great city. What a tremendous loss.”
