Family of Dexter Reed files suit over fatal Chicago police shooting

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A lawsuit has been filed by the family of Dexter Reed — the 26-year-old man who was killed by Chicago police officers who fired 96 shots during a traffic stop after he fired at an officer.

The suit alleges it was an unlawful traffic stop by five “outrageously” aggressive, plainclothes officers.

Attorney Andrew Stroth represents the family.

“What started on March 21 as a pretextual, unreasonable and unconstitutional stop resulted in 96 shots in 41 seconds,” he said.

Attorneys Steven Hart and Sheila Bedi also spoke at Wednesday’s event. Hart said the officers should have verbally identified themselves “in a de-escalating manner.”

Said Bedi: “Dexter died because of the longstanding policy and practice failures of the Chicago Police Department.”

The suit argues that the officers “created an environment that directly resulted in his death.”

While the attorneys stood with family members outside the 11th District Chicago Police Station, people yelled words from passing cars to the effect of: “Don’t shoot police, they won’t shoot you.”

They were answered with obscenities.

Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok