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]
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.[4]
Officers Involved
Public Comments
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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
- ↑ Eileen Grench, Unarmed Man Shot by Cops Texted Girlfriend Goodbye: Witness, Daily Beast, 2022-09-22
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