The family of Derek Jordan, a man killed by police in an incident five months ago, is suing the city and Officer Max Walzer. The lawsuit accuses them of using excessive and unreasonable force. Jordan, aged 42, was fatally shot after a police pursuit in Humboldt Park in March.
Attorneys filed the lawsuit on behalf of Jordan’s estate in Cook County circuit court. They claim the city and Officer Walzer engaged in reckless and intentional actions during the shooting. At a recent news conference, Antonio Romanucci, representing the family, emphasized their demand for justice. He stated that they seek change to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The shooting occurred on March 9 near 812 N. Homan Ave. Police tried to stop a vehicle linked to an earlier shooting. As the car attempted to flee, it collided with a pedestrian, a CTA bus, and an unmarked squad car. Police reported that an officer fired during the arrest attempt and a gun was found in the car.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is investigating the event. COPA confirmed the investigation is ongoing but did not provide additional details. Following the incident, Officer Walzer was relieved of his police powers and reassigned. However, he was recently reinstated to active duty in the Harrison District.
According to public records, Officer Walzer joined the force in February 2022. He faced four misconduct complaints, though none were upheld by COPA. Jordan had previous drug convictions and a dropped domestic assault case. Attorneys, joined by Jordan’s family, urged the Cook County state’s attorney to further investigate. They requested a jury trial.
Jordan’s mother, Christine Thompkins, expressed her grief and determination to seek justice. The complaint claims Officer Walzer intentionally shot Jordan and verbally threatened him before shooting. Footage from the scene, released by COPA, shows the events leading up to and following the shooting.
Body camera footage from Walzer depicts him yelling threats and firing shots shortly after arriving. Jordan’s family argues that Officer Walzer acted with complete disregard for Jordan’s safety. They allege Walzer used unlawful deadly force without any immediate threat and failed to de-escalate the situation.
The complaint highlights, “this case cannot be understood in a vacuum.” It argues the incident is part of a broader pattern of racially biased policing within the Chicago Police Department.
A city law department spokesperson stated the city had not received the complaint and declined to comment on ongoing litigation. Derek Jordan’s parents questioned law enforcement’s intentions, demanding accountability and reform.