Miguel Medina (2022)
Overview
On July 22, 2022, Chicago Illinois Police Department Sergeant Christopher Liakopoulos and Officer Ruben Reynoso were driving an unmarked police vehicle to a training course when they stopped to talk to Medina and a juvenile. As Medina approached the vehicle, the juvenile ran away. The officers claim that the juvenile pointed a gun at them and they opened fire, injuring Medina.[1][2]
The juvenile shot back at the officers, who returned fire.[2]
The officers did not render aid to Medina in the five minutes before paramedics arrived.[2]
Medina was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on a peace officer. The juvenile was not apprehended. The charge against Medina was dropped.[2]
In their statements to responding officers and in their reports, the officers claimed that they were fired upon first. This claim is not supported by the video.[2]
Pending an investigation, Liakopoulos and Reynoso were placed on administrative duties for 30 days.[1]
On September 15, 2022, Liakopoulos and Reynoso were relieved of duty.[1]
On September 16, 2022, Liakopoulos and Reynoso were charged with aggravated battery with a weapon, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and official misconduct. The officers could face 30 years in prison if convicted.[1]
Medina sued Liakopoulos and the City.[1]
On September 28, 2023, a judge ruled that Liakopoulos and Reynoso were not guilty on all charges as they "were not the aggressors" and "acted within reason".[3]
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) recommended that Liakopoulos and Reynoso be terminated for violating use of force guidelines, failing to render aid, and failing to secure the scene.[4]
Agency superintendent Larry Snelling claimed that Liakopoulos and Reynoso complied with policies and proposed no discipline. Based on the disagreement between COPA and the superintendent, a member of the Chicago Police Board was selected to provide the final ruling.[4]
On March 20, 2025, the Chicago Police Board ruled that the Liakopoulos and Reynoso had not violated use of force guidelines and should not be terminated. The board upheld the allegations that Reynoso failed to render aid and secure the scene. The board requested that the agency provide a new discipline recommendation.[4]
Video
The officers were not wearing body cameras.[2]
On September 20, 2022, video from a city camera was released.[2]
Another video showing the juvenile firing at the officers has not been released.[5]
Officers Involved
Public Comments
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Sarah Schulte, Chicago PD officer, sergeant charged in Pilsen shooting that wounded unarmed man, CCSA Kim Foxx says, ABC 7, 2022-09-16
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Eric Horng, Video released of Pilsen shooting that led to charges against CPD officers, ABC 7, 2022-09-20
- ↑ Judge acquits 2 Chicago police officers of charges stemming from shooting of unarmed man, ABC News, 2023-09-28
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Emmanuel Camarillo, Police board, superintendent agree on less discipline for cops in 2022 Pilsen shooting, Chicago Sun-Times, 2025-03-20
- ↑ Eileen Grench, Unarmed Man Shot by Cops Texted Girlfriend Goodbye: Witness, Daily Beast, 2022-09-22
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