Family Sues City and Police Officer Over Fatal Shooting

The family of Derek Jordan, a man fatally shot by police, is suing the city and the officer involved, Max Walzer. The lawsuit claims the officer’s use of deadly force was excessive and unreasonable. The incident occurred in March during an investigatory stop that turned into a police chase in Humboldt Park.

Attorneys filed the lawsuit last Friday in Cook County circuit court on behalf of Jordan’s estate. The suit accuses both the city and Officer Walzer of wanton and willful conduct in the shooting. Antonio Romanucci, founding partner of Romanucci & Blandin, stated, “We are seeking justice for Derek.” Romanucci emphasized the family’s desire not only for justice but also for systemic change to prevent such incidents.

Following the March 9 shooting and crash at 812 N. Homan Ave, Chicago police stated that officers attempted an investigatory stop on a vehicle linked to an earlier shooting. During the pursuit, the car struck a pedestrian, a CTA bus, and an unmarked police car. Officer Walzer fired his weapon during the attempt to arrest the driver. A gun was later found in the vehicle.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) initiated an investigation into the shooting, which is still ongoing. Walzer was relieved of his police powers shortly after the shooting and reassigned to an alternate response section. However, police confirmed he is now actively working in the Harrison (11th) District.

Records show that Walzer, a police officer since February 2022, has faced four misconduct complaints in that time, but none were upheld by COPA. Meanwhile, Jordan’s past includes drug convictions and a dismissed domestic assault case.

Jordan’s legal team is calling for a criminal investigation by the Cook County state’s attorney. The lawsuit demands a jury trial. Jordan’s mother, Christine Thompkins, who is the special administrator of his estate, stated, “He didn’t deserve to die the way he died.” The 19-page complaint alleges that Officer Walzer acted with intent and made verbal threats before firing. It argues for de-escalation rather than escalation in the situation.

COPA released video footage of the incident from body cameras and the CTA bus. The CTA footage captured Jordan driving a white Mercedes before colliding with the bus as police approached. Officers attempted to break into Jordan’s car as he tried to move between the police car and bus blocking him.

Walzer’s body camera shows him approaching and shouting threats before firing. Footage depicts him being advised to relax and breathe after the shooting. The lawsuit argues that Walzer and the city acted with indifference to Jordan’s safety, and that there was no legal justification for using deadly force. The complaint highlights a longstanding pattern of discriminatory policing in Chicago directed at Black men.

The city’s law department said it had not yet received the complaint and refrains from commenting on pending litigation.

Christine Thompkins, through tears, vowed to seek justice for her son. Derek Thompkins, Jordan’s father, questioned, “These people are sworn to serve and protect. Just tell me who they’re protecting, because it certainly isn’t us. Where does this stop?”