The Chicago Police Board has taken a definitive stand in the case of Reginald Clay Jr., a 24-year-old man shot and killed last year by police in the Garfield Park neighborhood, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. The board sided with the Civilian Office of Police Accountability's (COPA) recommendation to dismiss Officer Fernando Ruiz for violating the department's protocols on foot pursuits and use of force, during the incident that occurred on April 15, 2023.
Body-worn camera footage from the encounter captures Clay attempting to flee after officers approached him and a group of individuals on the 3800 block of West Flournoy Street; the pursuit lasted until Clay turned toward the officers with a handgun in hand, and as he apparently attempted to put the weapon down, Officer Ruiz fired his weapon, according to video evidence. Despite Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling's proposal for a mere two-day suspension for Ruiz, Chicago Police Board President Kyle Cooper agreed with COPA's conclusion, which may result in Ruiz facing a hearing before the full police board or, pending the outcome of a court battle, either public or private arbitration to decide his fate.
Reginald Clay Sr., wearing a red shirt adorned with the image of his late son, expressed his sentiments to the board, "You all did the right thing today, man," as per a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. The pain of their loss still palpable, the family's quest for justice continues as they seek not only Ruiz's dismissal but also his conviction for the shooting of Clay Jr., whom they insist was attempting to surrender at the time of his death.
The situation is further strained by the discrepancies in the application of CPD's foot pursuit policy, which was implemented in 2022 in the wake of other controversial fatal shootings, and advises officers against chasing an individual merely for fleeing and to exercise caution when the subject appears armed as FOX 32 Chicago notes, while Ruiz stands by the factors he believed justified the stop. Moreover, the Clay family has initiated a federal lawsuit, which accuses an officer of using "unprovoked and unwarranted" force and alleges a violation of the department's foot-chase policy, as the family and their allies continue to argue for accountability and criminal charges against the officer involved.
