The family of Dexter Reed, a 26-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Chicago police officers in March, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city and the five officers involved. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, alleges that the officers violated Reed’s Fourth Amendment rights by unlawfully stopping his vehicle and using excessive force. It also alleges that the officers denied Reed medical care after he was shot.
The lawsuit comes nearly five weeks after Reed was shot and killed by police. The shooting occurred after officers pulled Reed over for not wearing a seatbelt. According to police, Reed shot an officer in the wrist, prompting four other officers to open fire. Reed was shot dozens of times and died at the scene.
The lawsuit alleges that the officers’ use of force was excessive and unreasonable. It also alleges that the officers failed to provide Reed with medical care after he was shot. The lawsuit seeks damages for Reed’s wrongful death and other related injuries.
The city of Chicago has not yet commented on the lawsuit. The five officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.
