The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) have initiated investigations following a viral video of an off-duty CPD sergeant threatening teenagers on the Southwest Side.
The video, shared widely on social media, depicts a middle-aged man aggressively confronting a small group of teens. The CPD’s Bureau of Internal Affairs and COPA are examining this incident, which has sparked significant public attention. In response to the video, CPD reports that Sergeant Jeremy Sikorski has been stripped of his police powers.
The confrontation began with Sikorski questioning the teens about whether they were harassing younger children. The teens denied any wrongdoing, saying they were avoiding the younger kids due to inappropriate comments made towards their female friends. Despite their explanation, Sikorski proceeded with a tirade of threats.
“I’ll knock your (expletive) ass out,” Sikorski warned a teen boy, escalating to threats against the teens’ parents.
As a woman pleaded for Sikorski to desist, the situation escalated further. A video recorded by a teen girl shows him walking past, at which point her phone is knocked to the ground. Upset, the girl is heard exclaiming at her injury.
Official sources state that Sikorski is currently reassigned to the Alternate Response Section due to the internal inquiry. COPA has confirmed it has also opened an investigation into the matter. Although Sikorski has not commented publicly, records from the city’s Office of Inspector General show he has previously faced 22 misconduct allegations, with two resulting in disciplinary action.