The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released bodycam footage Thursday, shedding light on a tragic encounter that ultimately led to the death of 22-year-old David Curry. The events unfolded on Chicago's South Side in June, sparking an ongoing investigation into police conduct.
After Chicago police received a call about a person with a gun in the 8100 block of S. Hermitage Avenue, they were informed that a man, later identified as Curry, had allegedly struck another individual with the gun before fleeing the scene. Officers commenced a search, and when they spotted Curry, he ran off, which led to a chase captured on the released video. The pursuit ended in his fall, causing a severe head injury, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The footage reveals a critical moment—the impact of Curry’s fall after being pursued by police. From the video, one can see the officer, in full sprint, appear to extend his arms and make contact with the fleeing Curry. The contact led to Curry’s fall and his subsequent serious head injury, with blood visible spilling from his ear. FOX 32 Chicago reports an eyewitness at the scene accused the officer of pushing Curry, contradicting the officers' claim that "he tripped."
Paramedics and police officers attempted to offer Curry aid as he lay motionless on the pavement. His handcuffs were removed when he started to show signs of waking, and he was then sat up and cared for until an ambulance arrived. Despite initial reports of fair condition, Curry's health deteriorated, and he passed away on August 1 at Ascension Saint Francis in Evanston, with autopsy results pending, the Chicago Sun-Times notes.
