The city of Chicago is reeling after the release of body-camera videos and other materials related to the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Dexter Reed, Jr. during a traffic stop last month. According to the city’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability, Chicago police officers fired an estimated 96 shots at Mr. Reed after he fired first and wounded an officer.
The incident occurred on March 21 when five plainclothes officers stopped Mr. Reed for not wearing a seatbelt. After surrounding his vehicle and giving him verbal commands, an exchange of gunfire ensued, leaving Mr. Reed dead and an officer injured. The officers fired a total of 96 shots in just 41 seconds, raising questions about the proportionality of their use of deadly force.
The office’s chief administrator, Andrea Kersten, expressed concerns about the officers’ actions, particularly the excessive use of force and the circumstances surrounding the initial traffic stop. The Chicago Police Department has placed the four officers involved on administrative duties for 30 days while the investigation continues.
Meanwhile, the Cook County state’s attorney, Kim Foxx, is reviewing the evidence to determine if criminal charges are warranted in the case. Mr. Reed’s family is also questioning the officers’ actions and calling for accountability.
As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of a young man with aspirations of becoming a broadcaster. The release of the body-camera videos has sparked outrage and calls for justice as the city grapples with yet another incident of police violence.
