(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A south suburban SWAT team raided Amir Worship's Markham home in May of 2019 while executing a search warrant for his mother's then boyfriend.
Attorneys said despite fully cooperating with police, 12-year-old Amir was shot in the knee by a Richton Park police officer using an assault rifle.
"[The officer] was reckless that day, and I feel it was intentional," said Amir's mother, Crystal Worship.
Amir had to undergo five orthopedic surgeries and intensive physical therapy.
The now 16-year-old is permanently disabled and will likely need several knee replacement surgeries throughout his life.
"Every surgery was hard," added Crystal Worship. "He lost his confidence in himself."
Nearly four years later, Richton Park and the officer involved, Caleb Blood, settled Amir's case for $12 million. The Village of Richton Park released a statement to media on Wednesday.
"From the bottom of our hearts, we apologize to Amir Worship, his mother Crystal Worship and their family for the tragic mistake made by a Richton Park police officer on May 26, 2019. The accidental shooting of innocent, 12-year-old Amir, which could have resulted in his death, should never have occurred."
The Village added that they acknowledge the "traumatic, physical and mental harm" done to Amir and his family, and officials said they "sincerely hope and pray that Amir and his family will fully recover."
The agreement requires a public apology from Richton Park and a private, face-to-face apology from Blood.
"The settlement includes a requirement for comprehensive use of force and firearm safety training for Officer Blood, including in-class and firearms range training and recertification of his duty weapons before he is allowed to return to active duty," said attorney Al Hofeld Jr.
Despite Blood being removed from the SWAT team and placing himself on desk duty in June 2022, the family feels more needs to be done.
"To Amir, and Crystal and their family, this is not enough," added Hofeld. "Officer Blood should be fired."
Crystal Worship told reporters an apology only goes so far and that the police officer should be disciplined.
"I feel like justice would be served,” Crystal Worship said. “Even though they gave me the settlement, I think justice would be served for Amir because he has to live with the injury of his knee for the rest of his life."
Hofeld said plaintiffs plan to call on the Cook County State's Attorney’s Office to reopen its investigation with an intent to bring charges against Blood.
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