Chicago police officer shot by Dexter Reed countersues estate

The Chicago police officer shot in the wrist by Dexter Reed during a traffic stop in 2024, which prompted gunfire that killed Reed, is countersuing Reed’s estate.

Officer Gregory Saint Louis claims in the Thursday filing that he suffered physical and mental pain “that has greatly affected his career as a law enforcement officer and enjoyment of life.”

Reed, 26, was in his car March 21, 2024, in the 3800 block of West Ferdinand Street when five Harrison District tactical team officers stopped, approached his vehicle and ordered him to roll down his window. As officers continued to order Reed to roll down the window, Reed opened fire and struck Saint Louis, who was on the passenger side of the car, according to the city’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

The four other officers fired 96 shots in less than a minute, striking Reed 13 times. He was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Reed’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, claiming the officers unlawfully pulled over his SUV and were “outrageously” aggressive as they approached him. A City Council committee later rejected a $1.25 million settlement for the family.

In the counterclaim, lawyers for Saint Louis said the officer was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and further medical care for his gunshot wound.

Reed’s actions “were conducted willfully and maliciously with an utter disregard for the health, welfare, safety and life” of Saint Louis, his counterclaim said.

Saint Louis’s counterclaim alleges battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress against Reed. He is seeking compensatory damages for economic losses and any other relief for general damages.

Lawyers for Reed's family and Saint Louis could not be reached for comment.