Chicago is one of the most dangerous cities in the US. In 2024, there were 2,282 shootings. Chicago ranks among the worst cities to live in when it comes to crime. Crime is no stranger to Chicago, and certainly not to Dexter Reed. He was a young man who had a criminal record, having been arrested twice, once for Theft and the second time for Aggravated Unlawful use of a weapon. He was 25 when both charges were filed against him. The cops, knowing this, were worried about him having his windows tinted during a traffic stop.

When the police stopped him, he initially complied, rolling his window down. Then for no reason he rolled up his window. Police continued to ask him to roll down his window, which he did not comply with. The officers then pulled their firearms out in case of a potential attack. After firearms were pulled Dexter Reed shot first, hitting one officer in the hand. All the officers pulled back and got cover before firing their shots. Dexter was hit 13 times, killing him.

This shooting was full of controversy due to 96 shots hitting the car and Dexter Reed. People were saying it was unnecessary for this many shots to be fired. There are also people saying this was reasonable due to him not being subdued and still firing after most of the shots were fired. The cops were being sued by Reed’s mother, with her saying that her son was completely innocent and that this was a murder. In the bodycam footage you can see Reed fires the first shot, which gives cops the full authority to open fire on the suspect. Reed’s mother won the case and got awarded 1.25 million dollars.