Miguel Medina (2022)

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Overview

News report with surveillance video

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

References


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