- Police Brutality Watch

Chicago police say 14-year-old started events that led to death [more]

Chicago police officers shot and killed a 15-year-old boy. Officers said the teen was wanted in the robbery of a 13-year-old. Officials said the older teen stole a cell phone and gold chain from the younger boy as he was leaving a Lawndale pizza place. Police were called and an unmarked squad car spotted the vehicle the boy was seen getting into, a white Ford Explorer. Inside the SUV, which was possibly stolen, were three suspected robbers. Police gave chase. When the officers attempted to pull the SUV over, the occupants allegedly opened fire on the squad car. "The only thing I see was a lot of cops running in each way," said Mario Maya, witness. Herman Medina, 15, was killed, while another occupant of the SUV was wounded. A third man was taken into police custody. This morning, a memorial sits at the site of the shooting. Those who knew the teen's family --who reportedly once lived in a basement apartment in suburban Summit – were shocked by his death. "I'm getting Goosebumps because I've known the family m whole life and it's just very shocking. I can hardly believe that he was involved in something like this," said Sara McNeil, neighbor. Neighbors say Medina most recently attended the Pride Alternative School in nearby Burbank. Police believe Medina and the other men are gang members. Authorities say they recovered one gun in the vehicle driven by the men. Meanwhile, the investigation into the shooting continues as officials determine whether the shooting was justified. "Shootings on the South Side, policemen had to come to his defense, had to protect themselves. Everybody should realize very dangerous job, gangs, guns and drugs. not only to citizens, but police officers on the streets," said Mayor Daley. No police officers were wounded in the incident. Police said that it might be Monday before they have the results of their roundtable discussion. [more]

Officers cleared in fatal shooting of Summit teen [more]