A lawsuit filed by the mother of Dexter Reed alleges that Chicago police used excessive force and violated departmental policies during a traffic stop that resulted in Reed’s death. The lawsuit accuses the five officers involved of creating a chaotic and dangerous situation and failing 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 cites a history of excessive force by Chicago police, particularly against young Black men, and calls for reforms to the department’s use of tactical units and traffic stops.