Chicago Officer Jalen Woods Sues Tempe, AZ After Alleged Wrongful Arrest

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago police officer is suing the city of Tempe, Arizona after he says he was arrested without cause.

Police in Arizona took him into custody for allegedly squealing his tires, but the officer says his civil rights were violated.

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While on vacation last summer, a Chicago police officer named Jalen Woods found himself being pulled over, handcuffed, and made to sit on the curb in Tempe. The reason given was tire squealing. Now, Woods and his attorney are pursuing legal action, seeking justice for what they believe was an unwarranted arrest and public embarrassment.

Footage from body cameras revealed that a group of Tempe bike police had surrounded Woods’ vibrant red rental Dodge Hellcat. Though puzzled, Woods emerged from the car and complied with the officers’ instructions.

Woods did not say he is with the Chicago Police Department, but identified himself as an officer.

At the advice of one of the officers, the body-worn cameras go silent.

The police documented in a report that as the car was paused in traffic with its engine continuously revving, the back tires emitted a squealing sound for around one or two seconds.

In a lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court, Woods disputes that.

However, Woods’ lawyer, Benjamin Taylor, argued, “They claimed there was tire squealing, yet no such sound can be discerned on the body cam footage.”

Woods says prosecutors dismissed the case against him last year.

In the newly-filed lawsuit, the Chicago police officer’s attorney says Tempe police officers violated Woods’ civil rights and racially profiled him.

He continued, “It’s nonsensical, plus officers have the choice whether to charge someone for tire squealing or not. This shows an excessive use of power by Tempe police, prompting us to file this lawsuit due to such overreach, intimidation, and wrongful detention. Woods faced no criminal charges.”

Tempe city officials issued a statement, saying, “Although we acknowledge his role as a fellow officer, in Tempe all individuals, regardless of their job, race, or history, must follow the same laws and enforcement guidelines. Our police department supports our officers’ actions.”

The Tempe Police Department finished its internal review of the arrest and found the officers did nothing wrong.

“Woods’ arrest was reviewed by our department’s accountability processes, which confirmed our officers acted lawfully and appropriately,” the city’s statement said. “While we respect his position as a fellow law enforcement officer, in Tempe every individual — regardless of occupation, race, or background — is subject to the same laws and enforcement standards. The Tempe Police Department stands by our officers.”