Chicago police officers recommended for less discipline in Pilsen shooting

The Chicago Police Board has supported its police superintendent's recommendation that two officers should not be fired for their involvement in a shooting in Pilsen in July 2022. The incident left an unarmed man, Miguel Medina, injured. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) had urged the dismissal of Sgt. Christopher Liakopoulos and Officer Ruben Reynoso for breaking use of force rules and failing to provide assistance after the shooting. However, Superintendent Larry Snelling disagreed, claiming both officers acted within the department's guidelines. In cases of disagreement over officer discipline, a police board member is appointed to make a decision. Board member Steven Block leaned mainly with Snelling, saying Liakopoulos followed the Chicago Police Department's rules. He also supported COPA's claims against Reynoso concerning his failure to assist Medina and secure the scene. Block noted that COPA should provide a new recommendation for Reynoso's discipline based on these two issues. The shooting involved changing narratives, leading to accusations that the officers lied. They were charged with serious crimes but were acquitted in 2023, as a judge found they acted in self-defense. The officers were traveling to a training session when they encountered Medina and a group of people. Gunfire erupted when a juvenile in the group began to flee. Initial claims that the officers were fired upon first were contradicted by surveillance footage. Prosecutors later charged the officers with various offenses, including aggravated battery. Block highlighted that the video showed the juvenile pointed a gun at the officers, justifying their response. As for the failure to assist Medina, Block stated that Liakopoulos was unable to help because he chased after the juvenile. However, Reynoso remained at the scene but did not provide aid to Medina, raising questions about his actions during the incident.