Chicago Police Department Officer Jalen Woods sues city of Tempe, Arizona, says he was arrested without cause
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

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.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Lemont students honor legacy of astronauts killed in space shuttle disaster at Challenger Learning Center in Hammond

Lemont Students Commemorate Challenger Astronauts’ Legacy at Hammond’s Challenger Learning Center

In Hammond, Indiana, a remarkable fusion of science and education is taking…
Rabbi attacked on NYC street on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Rabbi Assaulted in NYC on Day Honoring Holocaust Victims

A rabbi was assaulted in New York City on Tuesday, an incident…
NYPD’s Tisch must heed Mamdani’s lead

NYPD’s Tisch Encouraged to Follow Mamdani’s Guidance

Among the post-election decisions of Mayor Mamdani, none has sparked more debate…
Coco Gauff smashes racket in frustration after Australian Open loss to Elina Svitolina, video shows

Coco Gauff’s Emotional Moment: Racket Smash After Tough Australian Open Defeat to Elina Svitolina

In Melbourne, Australia, Coco Gauff vented her frustration on her tennis racket…
NYPD investigating car driving into Chabad’s Brooklyn headquarters as hate crime

Brooklyn Tragedy: NYPD Probes Potential Hate Crime at Chabad Headquarters

In response to a disturbing incident at the Chabad World Headquarters in…
Giants pivot OC search as Todd Monken takes Browns head coaching job

Giants Revamp Offensive Coordinator Search After Todd Monken Accepts Browns Head Coach Role

John Harbaugh’s initial plan to have Todd Monken coach Jaxson Dart in…
Natalie Portman reveals she 'misplaced a rib' while filming 'Black Swan'

Unveiling the Unexpected: Natalie Portman’s Shocking ‘Black Swan’ Injury and the Mystery of the Misplaced Rib

Natalie Portman’s portrayal in “Black Swan” was nothing short of extraordinary. Yet,…
Former bookkeeper accused of stealing 120K+ from Nassau County school

Ex-Bookkeeper Faces Charges for Allegedly Embezzling Over $120,000 from Nassau County School

A former employee of Hilliard Middle-Senior High School, Jennifer Folliett, is facing…
Mamdani's 'Great Recession' Fearmongering: Only Answer Is to Tax the Pants Off the Rich

Mamdani Warns of Economic Downturn: Advocates for Increased Taxation on the Wealthy as a Solution

New York’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, is quickly discovering that the…
Supreme Court ruling raises new questions about future of stalking cases in Florida

Supreme Court Decision Sparks New Discussions on the Future of Stalking Cases in Florida

Coles Whalen, an up-and-coming singer and songwriter, faced a dramatic upheaval in…
Substance sprayed on Rep Ilhan Omar reportedly identified as apple cider vinegar; FBI investigating

FBI Probes Incident Involving Apple Cider Vinegar Spray on Rep. Ilhan Omar

In a startling incident at a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Rep.…
Man accused of nearly beating Chicago train passenger to death walks free with no prison time: report

Chicago Train Passenger Assault Suspect Avoids Prison Sentence, Report Reveals

A man accused of severely assaulting another passenger on a Chicago train…