Surveillance footage released by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability shows an off-duty Chicago police officer shouting “I’ll kill you” before shooting a man who attempted to grab her gun during a struggle in Washington Heights last month.
The incident occurred on January 18, with the footage showing Leevon Smith arguing with a group of people before the off-duty officer attempted to intervene.
The other people left, but Smith remained and spoke to the officer for a minute before attempting to grab her gun as she turned to enter the apartment building, resulting in a struggle.
The officer fired three shots, with Smith saying “You got me” and apologizing before being left without aid as the officer called for someone to call the police. Smith died two days later in the hospital. The officer claims that she witnessed a verbal argument and that Smith grabbed her from behind and reached for her gun, leading to the struggle and the shooting. Smith faced charges of attempted robbery and aggravated battery, but his estate has filed a lawsuit against the city and the officer for excessive and violent physical force, as well as claiming that his family suffered injuries as a result of his death.
