Cop cleared in foot chase that ended with man dying in fall

A recent report released by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability has cleared a Chicago police officer of any wrongdoing in a foot chase that tragically ended with the pursued man falling and suffering a fatal head injury in June 2024. The incident involved 22-year-old David Curry, whose death sparked community activism with Black Lives Matter Chicago calling it a “police crime” and emphasizing that Curry’s life was cut short as he ran for his life. However, the newly released documents by COPA reveal that the officer involved did not violate department policy.

The incident unfolded on June 23, 2024, when officers responded to a call from a woman who reported that Curry had assaulted her and pointed a firearm at her. The officers located Curry in the 8100 block of South Hermitage Avenue, where he began to run upon seeing them. During the pursuit, Curry threw a firearm with an extended magazine onto the roof of a garage as he fled. One officer engaged in a foot chase with Curry, who eventually collided with the officer, causing him to fall and strike his head on an uneven concrete slab.

According to COPA’s investigation, the officer’s account of the events was supported by video evidence and other information. The officer stated that he was attempting to grab Curry’s shirt when Curry suddenly turned, leading to the collision. Despite the tragic outcome, the officer immediately called for an ambulance and provided first aid to Curry before he was transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

While a witness claimed that the officer had pushed or slammed Curry to the ground and failed to call for an ambulance, COPA’s investigation found no evidence to support these allegations. The agency concluded that the pursuing officer would have been justified in performing a “takedown” of Curry if he had chosen to do so and that the fatal collision was not foreseeable during the foot chase.

All materials related to the incident, including the officers’ bodycam footage, are available on COPA’s website for public viewing. The investigation findings have exonerated the officer involved in the incident, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in high-stress situations. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigations and transparency in addressing incidents involving police conduct.