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
Human remains discovered days after devastating California fireworks facility explosion

Human Remains Found Days Following Destructive California Fireworks Facility Explosion

Several days following the fire and explosion at a fireworks facility in…
Chelsea benefits from Palmeiras own goal to reach FIFA Club World Cup semifinals

Chelsea Advances to FIFA Club World Cup Semifinals Following Palmeiras Own Goal

PHILADELPHIA — Chelsea clinched their place in the Club World Cup semifinals…
Can We Get Rid of the Disgraceful American Federation of Teachers Yet?

Randi Weingarten’s July 4th Tweet Drew Laughter – But Not in the Way She Intended

Many people were acknowledging Independence Day on Friday.  A post by Randi…
JSO: Woman shot, killed during party on Rover Drive hour after Fourth of July

JSO: Woman Fatally Shot at Rover Drive Party Just After Fourth of July Celebrations

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said five people were detained following the deadly…
It's a Feel-Good Friday Independence Day As Americans of All Backgrounds Celebrate Our Freedoms

Celebrate Freedom This Feel-Good Friday: Independence Day for All Americans

Happy Independence Day! It’s quite a wonderful coincidence that my Feel-Good Friday…
Kerrville, Texas flooding: Camp girls missing after Guadalupe River flood waters hit Camp Mystic; at least 27 dead

Tragic Flood in Kerrville, Texas: Girls Missing from Camp Mystic After Guadalupe River Overflow; Death Toll Rises to 27

In KERRVILLE, Texas, search efforts continued Saturday as rescuers worked to locate…
Trump to sign tax and spending bill into law at July 4 picnic

Trump to Approve Tax and Spending Bill During July 4th Celebration

The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 multi-trillion dollar tax cuts and cuts Medicaid…
Julian McMahon dies after cancer battle

Julian McMahon Passes Away Following Cancer Struggle

McMahon gained fame for his role as the plastic surgeon Dr. Christian…
Diogo Jota's wife Rute Cardoso helps carry coffin at funeral

Rute Cardoso Assists in Carrying Coffin at Funeral of Diogo Jota’s Loved One

The widow of the late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota was visibly distraught…
James McMurdock, Reform UK MP, at the House of Commons.

Reform MP James McMurdock Takes Leave from Party Due to ‘Business Conduct During Pandemic’ Concerns

REFORM MP James McMurdock has voluntarily removed the party whip from himself.…
UN commission accuses Israel of 'extermination' in controversial report

UN Criticized for Funding Committee Aiming to Undermine Israel, Despite Financial Shortfall

Critics have expressed outrage at the United Nations for allocating funds to…
Macy's Fourth of July fireworks light up NYC sky

Dazzling Fireworks Illuminate NYC Skyline for Macy’s July Fourth Celebration

The 49th annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show left New Yorkers…