On Friday, the Chicago Police Board voted unanimously to sack officer David Laskus. Laskus was found responsible for all administrative charges, including the execution of excessive force and making false statements. These charges were a result of an episode on May 31, 2020, where Laskus was seen on video grabbing Mia Wright by her hair and kneeling on her neck in the Brickyard Mall parking lot, an act that resulted in Wright losing an eye according to Chicago Sun-Times.
This violent event happened during a weekend of protests and rioting triggered by the death of George Floyd in police custody. Wright and her family found the Brickyard Mall closed due to civil unrest upon their arrival as reported by Chicago Tribune.
The police proceeded to break the windows of the family’s car without warning, which led to the occupants coming out. Laskus then dragged Wright out of the car by her hair and applied excessive force by kneeling on her neck and back as per Chicago Sun-Times.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)'s investigation resulted in Laskus's dismissal. Laskus fibbed during the inquiry, stating that someone in Wright's car had a hammer and intended to loot a Champs Sporting Goods store. This claim was dismissed by COPA in a 22-page report stating, "Officer (David) Laskus fabricated the existence of the hammer to justify his use of force in accord with Chicago Sun-Times.
The Police Board, in their final written hearing, acknowledged the tough circumstances that officers faced during the George Floyd protests. They, however, stated that Laskus's response was excessive as stated by Chicago Sun-Times.
Laskus now has the option to appeal his termination within the Cook County Circuit Court reported by Chicago Tribune.
