Lawsuit alleges Chicago police pattern of excessive force in officer-involved shootings; Timothy Glaze killed in Little Village
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Warning: Some viewers may find the video content in the player above graphic.

On January 3 of this year, Timothy Glaze Dean was fatally shot by the Chicago police. Body-camera footage revealed he was armed with a knife at the moment of the incident.

A lawsuit filed on Wednesday by the lawyer representing his estate claims that Glaze Dean was shot 20 times. The attorney argues this shooting reflects a persistent pattern of excessive force by the CPD.

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

The body-camera footage displayed officers leaving their car in response to a welfare check for Glaze Dean. A friend had raised concerns about his mental health, mentioning he was handling a knife. The video recorded police as they entered the Little Village apartment complex, rode the elevator to the sixth floor, and identified themselves at Glaze Dean’s door.

A second later, Glaze Dean walks into frame with a knife in his hand. Two seconds after that, as he walks towards police, they open fire, shooting 20 rounds.

READ MORE | Bodycam video shows CPD officers fatally shooting man apparently armed with knife in Little Village

Some bullets were fired after he was already on the ground without the knife and no longer a threat, according Glaze Dean family attorney Greg Kulis. The entire incident took less than two minutes from when officers exited their vehicle.

“The police don’t say, drop the knife. They don’t say, police, put your hands up, drop the knife, step back,” Kulis told the I-Team.

Kulis said the body camera footage showed a lack of any attempt by police to deescalate the situation and points to what he calls a broader problem with CPD of excessive use of force, referencing both Laquan McDonald and Dexter Reed, who were shot 16 and 13 times, respectively, by Chicago Police and were killed.

“I think it’s become a practice of policy to obliterate the threat and obliterate the source of the threat,” Kulis said.

Neither officer who opened fire has any previous misconduct allegations against them. ABC7 is not naming those officers because they have not been charged with a crime.

“You use that deadly force, but that doesn’t mean you can continue to use that deadly force when the threat is gone, because at that point, maybe somebody would have survived,” Kulis said.

“The officer responded to his training, and that was there’s lethal force coming toward him. He responded with lethal force,” ABC7 Police Affairs Consultant Bill Kushner said.

Kushner said given the circumstances, including the narrow hallway and no cover for officers as Glaze Dean advanced, they were left with no choice but to shoot. He said the common use of semi-automatic weapons by police can lead to multiple rapid fire shots.

“The officers did attempt to render aid. They did call for an ambulance. They applied tourniquets,” Kushner said.

“You feel for the families. You feel for police officers, but the city of Chicago has an obligation to make sure the officers go out there with the proper tools and the proper training,” Kulis said.

Both Kushner and Kulis said body-worn cameras are essential for police, and especially for public trust.

COPA said this is an ongoing investigation and Chicago police gave no comment.

There is a protest scheduled for Thursday, three months after Glaze Dean’s death.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Live | Day 2: Jacksonville rapper Ksoo's murder trial continues

Murder Trial of Jacksonville Rapper Ksoo Moves Forward

Jacksonville rapper Hakeem Robinson, known by his stage name Ksoo, is being…
NYPD officers at a New York City shooting scene.

Police Officer Critically Injured and One Other Hurt in Terrifying NYC Shooting Near Office Building

AN active shooter unleashed chaos in broad daylight in the heart of…
Coast Guard on boats

Unlawful Migrant Influx Hits US Shores Amid Coast Guard’s Struggles with Rising Numbers Under Biden Administration

The increase in illegal immigration via boats under the Biden administration has…
BREAKING: Leading Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Israel of Gaza Genocide

Israeli Human Rights Organizations Accuse Israel of Genocide in Gaza

Two of Israel’s most prominent human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for…
Boxer Dwight Muhammad Qawi dies at 72

Boxing Legend Dwight Muhammad Qawi Passes Away at Age 72

While serving a sentence for armed robbery, he participated in the boxing…
Chicago police release surveillance images of SUV in Pilsen hit-and-run that killed Marcela Herrera

Surveillance Images of SUV Released by Chicago Police in Pilsen Hit-and-Run Killing Marcela Herrera

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police have shared images of an SUV sought…

Illinois Heat Wave: Air Conditioning Problems Lead to Rush Hospital ER Diverting Ambulances During Chicago Heat Advisory

CHICAGO (WLS) — An air conditioning problem caused a prolonged bypass at…
Active shooter report prompts massive police response in midtown Manhattan business district

Large Police Presence in Midtown Manhattan Business District After Active Shooter Alert

At least six individuals were injured by gunfire on Monday, and the…
Cancer survivor reveals fitness trick as he swims 10K across Long Island Sound

Cancer survivor shares fitness secret after completing 10K swim across Long Island Sound

The Long Island Sound stretches a whopping 110 miles, from New York…
Portland anti-ICE demonstrators confused when person in full-size Elmo costume shows up

Portland Anti-ICE Protesters Surprised by Appearance of Full-Size Elmo Character

An individual dressed as Elmo was recorded provoking protesters at a U.S.…
Illegal immigrant caught working as police officer in Maine while attempting to buy firearm

Undocumented Immigrant Discovered Working as Maine Police Officer During Firearm Purchase Attempt

An auxiliary police officer from Old Orchard Beach was detained by ICE…
Shooting outside Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada leaves multiple injured; suspect in custody

Several Injured in Reno Shooting Near Grand Sierra Resort; Suspect Apprehended

A gunman launched an attack near a casino in Reno, Nevada, on…