A lawsuit filed by the mother of Dexter Reed accuses Chicago police of using excessive force and violating departmental policies during a traffic stop that resulted in Reed’s death on March 21, 2023. The lawsuit alleges that the five officers involved created a chaotic and dangerous situation and failed to de-escalate the encounter. It also alleges that the officers violated Reed’s civil rights by failing to provide him with first aid and by making false statements about the circumstances of the shooting.
The lawsuit describes Reed as having been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that can make individuals more vulnerable to stressful situations and more likely to experience hypervigilance. The lawsuit argues that the officers should have been aware of Reed’s potential condition and should have used more restraint during the stop.
Instead, the lawsuit alleges, the officers pointed their guns at Reed, used profane language, and failed to identify themselves as police. These actions, the lawsuit argues, created a confusing and chaotic environment that placed Reed in fear for his safety and at risk of great bodily harm.
The lawsuit also cites a history of excessive force by Chicago police, particularly against young Black men. It notes that Black drivers are disproportionately stopped by police in Chicago, even though they make up a smaller percentage of the city’s population. The lawsuit also cites a recent report by the Chicago inspector general that found that Black people were overrepresented in investigatory stops that lead to uses of force.
The lawsuit is seeking damages for Reed’s wrongful death, as well as injunctive relief to prevent the Chicago Police Department from continuing to use excessive force. The city and the police department have declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Reed’s death has sparked outrage and protests in Chicago. Activists have called for the officers involved to be fired and charged with a crime. The lawsuit is likely to add fuel to the debate over police brutality and the need for reform in Chicago and across the country.
