Lawsuit Filed Against Chicago Police Officer Accused Of Misconduct

By Chuck Sudo in News on Sep 10, 2014 4:30PM

Commander Glenn Evans (Image via WBBM-TV screengrab)

A man who accused a high-ranking Chicago Police officer with shoving a gun down his throat filed a lawsuit against the officer. Lawyers for Rickey Williams filed the lawsuit in federal court Tuesday against Lt. Glenn Evans, who had his police powers revoked and was charged with misconduct and battery last month by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.

DNA samples pulled from Evans’ gun matched those of Williams, who also claimed Evans held a Taser to his groin and threatened to kill him. The suit alleges Williams was sitting at a bus stop Jan 30, 2013 when Evans pulled up in a squad car and began staring at Williams. After several minutes of this, Williams fled and was chased by Evans and as many as 10 police officers, according to the suit. They caught up to Williams at an abandoned house, where Evans allegedly roughed up Williams before threatening Williams with the Taser and shoving his gun into Williams’ mouth.

The arrest report read that Williams was seen with a gun, but no weapon was ever recovered. Williams filed a complaint with the Independent Police Review Authority, who recommended Evans be suspended in April; he stayed on the force until his indictment.

Williams’ attorney, Antonio Romanucci, had some pointed words for Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy after filing the suit. McCarthy has publicly cited Evans’ work at the Grand Crossing and Harrison Districts as examples of police work reducing violence in high-crime areas. But Evans has a history of misconduct.

Williams, in a statement, said he was afraid for his life during the incident.

“I hope this lawsuit stops other police officers from doing what happened to me ever again. It took a lot of courage for me to do this, and I hope the Chicago Police Department shows its courage and changes the way it treats innocent people.”

Evans’ attorney, Laura Morask, defended her client by painting Williams as an opportunist. "The fact that this convicted felon is seeking money out of this speaks for itself,” Morask said.