A recently released autopsy report reveals that Dexter Reed, a 26-year-old man, was shot 13 times during a traffic stop last month by plainclothes Chicago police officers who discharged their weapons nearly 100 times. The incident, which occurred on March 21, has sparked protests, with activists demanding the dismissal of the five officers involved. Reed's family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, questioning the use of plainclothes tactical squads. Both a police oversight agency and the Cook County state’s attorney are conducting investigations into the shooting.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability, responsible for investigating police shootings, disclosed videos and documents from the traffic stop earlier this month. According to the office, Reed allegedly fired at the officers first after they pulled him over for not wearing a seatbelt. In response, the officers fired 96 shots within 41 seconds. Reed succumbed to his injuries at a hospital, and his death was deemed a homicide.
The autopsy report from the Cook County medical examiner indicates that Reed sustained five gunshot wounds to his legs, four to his buttocks, two to his chest, and one each to his back and shoulder. Additionally, a toxicology screen released alongside the autopsy report revealed the presence of THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, in Reed's system.
Police have been reticent in providing details about the shooting, which resulted in one officer sustaining injuries. The officers involved have been placed on 30-day administrative leave.
