The family of Dexter Reed, a 26-year-old man fatally shot by Chicago police during a traffic stop, is suing the city for civil rights violations, in a case that has stoked fresh controversy over police conduct. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the lawsuit accuses the officers of using "brutally violent, militarized policing tactics" which they claim created a deadly environment.

Police allege Reed was pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt, but skepticism has emerged over the validity of the stop; the Civilian Office of Police Accountability raised "grave concerns" about officers' use of force and their explanation for the stop, given the SUV's tinted windows. The officers, who were in plain clothes, fired a staggering 96 shots within 41 seconds—according to ABC7 Chicago. Reed's mother, Nicole Banks, argues that her son was "unlawfully pulled over" and later "shot him down like he was an animal."

Reed, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, allegedly became confused and afraid during the stop, with his condition impacting his ability to process and act appropriately under duress. The lawsuit criticized the police for failing to take into account his PTSD when they aggressively surrounded his vehicle. As a result, the family claims, Reed mistakenly rolled up his window and was subsequently shot after exiting his vehicle with his hands up.

During a press conference, Dexter Reed Sr., Reed's father, said, "They shot him three times in the back after he laid down." He further added, "That's overkill," as reported by ABC7 Chicago. The family's legal team also highlighted the contentious history of the police department's tactical units, particularly in flourishing violence against Chicago's young Black men in low-income neighborhoods. The officers involved in the shooting are currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The city and police department have not commented on the lawsuit. However, the implications of the case are expected to continue the intense debate surrounding police practices and civil rights in Chicago.