Chicago police watchdog should release report mostly clearing cops in Dexter Reed case, family lawyer says

A lawyer for Dexter Reed’s family is calling for Chicago’s police oversight agency to release a report that largely clears a group of tactical officers of wrongdoing in connection to the 2024 shootout that claimed Reed's life.

The report by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability remains under wraps as the Chicago Police Department reviews the findings. That means police Supt. Larry Snelling could still challenge COPA's conclusions.

Attorney Andrew Stroth said Reed’s family “deserves to see the full investigative report,” insisting that Reed was “the victim of an unconstitutional traffic stop and then unjustifiably shot and killed.”

COPA lodged 15 allegations against the five officers who pulled Reed over in Humboldt Park, but only one charge was sustained, according to city records. COPA considered whether the officers violated Reed’s civil rights, used excessive force and wrongfully opened fire.

It’s unclear which officer COPA seeks to discipline. The police department wouldn’t comment, citing the ongoing review. The Chicago Tribune first reported on COPA's findings.

Four members of the Harrison District tactical team opened fired after Reed shot another officer in the hand in the 3800 block of West Ferdinand Street on March 21, 2024. The four officers fired a total of 96 shots at Reed in less than a minute — striking him 13 times and leaving him dead.

The Cook County state’s attorney’s office office declined to charge the officers, finding they were in reasonable fear for their lives. And while the controversial gunfight resulted in a $1.25 million settlement for the family, the deal was rejected by a City Council committee.

Thomas Spanos was among three officers who continued firing after Reed had exited his SUV and fallen to the ground. Spanos, who was the last officer to stop shooting, fired a total of 34 rounds and reloaded his weapon during the exchange of gunfire, according to a report by the state’s attorney’s office.

Over the weekend, Spanos was named in a police report after allegedly threatening to beat up a detective at a Norwood Park bar. A police spokesperson said he remains on active duty.

A lawyer for the Fraternal Order of Police wouldn’t comment on COPA's findings in the Reed case because the full report hasn’t been released.