Rashad Wells, 43, was found shot dead after an armed robbery at Marquita’s Hair Studio in Chicago’s Gresham neighborhood on February 13, 2021. Officers responded to shots fired around 8:10 p.m. in the 7600 block of South Loomis Boulevard and Wells was discovered with a gunshot wound to his face; he was pronounced dead after transport to the University of Chicago Medical Center. The Cook County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Investigators say Wells participated in an armed robbery at the salon on West 69th Street, brandishing a silver firearm and threatening patrons. An off-duty Cook County Correctional Officer, Dionne Griggs, was among those present. Reports state Griggs locked herself in a bathroom, Wells forced the door, pointed a gun at her, and she announced her office and fired three times, striking Wells once. Wells ran and collapsed in a nearby alley and later was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital.

Multiple agencies reviewed surveillance, witness statements, medical and forensic evidence and concluded the fatal wound was inflicted by Officer Griggs and was defensive. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges. Does anyone have additional information about the robbery or the minutes leading up to the shooting?