Body camera footage of a deadly police-involved shooting in Chicago is set to be released on Tuesday, according to an attorney for the slain man's family and a source from Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
The tragic incident occurred on March 21 in Chicago's Garfield Park neighborhood, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Dexter Reed, as confirmed by Chicago police.
Reports indicate that the encounter began when five officers from a tactical unit conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle, as stated in a news release from the accountability office.
Following the initial traffic stop, an exchange of gunfire took place, as described by Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. Nearby video footage, shared on the Citizen app, captured the sound of numerous shots being fired.
Superintendent Snelling informed reporters that the individual involved in the incident was shot by officers, with one officer sustaining a non-life-threatening injury to the left wrist.
The accountability office revealed that officers approached the vehicle and issued verbal commands to the individual inside, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the officers and the individual positioned on each side of the vehicle.
The individual was struck multiple times by gunfire, subsequently taken to the hospital, and later pronounced deceased. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
The family's attorney mentioned that they are scheduled to review the bodycam footage on Monday afternoon and will conduct a news conference outside the accountability office headquarters on Tuesday to discuss the video's contents.
Police bodycam footage has increasingly served as crucial evidence in shedding light on officer-involved shootings, aiding in both convictions and the exoneration of officers. It is essential in promoting transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the agency responsible for releasing the bodycam video, which is the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
