Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Watchdog Largely Clears Officers in Dexter Reed Killing as CPD Weighs Discipline

The watchdog’s closed case now moves to CPD for a discipline decision.

Overview

  • COPA closed its investigation with 15 allegations against five officers and sustained only one count of excessive force, while keeping the full report under seal.
  • The officer tied to the sustained finding was not identified in records, and Supt. Larry Snelling has up to 90 days to rule on any discipline.
  • During the March 2024 stop, Reed shot an officer in the wrist and four officers returned fire with nearly 100 rounds, including some fired after Reed was on the ground.
  • Officer Thomas Spanos is under new internal probes after an alleged off‑duty threat at a Norwood Park bar, and CPD says three involved officers, including Spanos, are on desk duty.
  • Reed’s family’s federal civil‑rights lawsuit remains pending after a $1.25 million settlement was rejected, and separate COPA cases found prior unjustified stops by Spanos with suspension recommendations backed by the superintendent.