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Video shows teen being run over by Chicago police SUV, attorney asking for $2.1M settlement from city

By
Updated  April 1, 2022 8:57pm CDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 32 Chicago

New video shows Chicago teen run over by police SUV

Newly released video shows a teenage girl being run over by a Chicago police SUV. Now her attorney is asking for a $2.1 million settlement from the city.

CHICAGO - Newly released video shows a teen getting run over by a Chicago police SUV.

It happened in 2020, but now, her attorney is asking for a settlement of $2.1 million from the city – accusing the city of consciously disregarding the safety of others.

"The most significant injury is the mental trauma that she suffered," said Robert Fakhouri, attorney for Astarte Washington.

The incident unfolded in a matter of seconds, but for Astarte Washington, the impact will last a lifetime.

"She testified that she saw the vehicle coming at her, but she was more afraid to get up and move out of the way and get shot than let the vehicle roll over her body," said Fakhouri.

Fakhouri said Washington and her brother were walking home from their grandmother's house on May 31, 2020 – just days after George Floyd’s murder. As the pair approached 111th and South Michigan Avenue, they encountered a group of protesters.

That’s when Fakhouri said police ordered the group to stop and get on the ground.

Washington, who was 15 years old at the time, is seen on video obeying that police command. As she laid on the ground, a Chicago police SUV began to roll backwards – with no one in the driver's seat.

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In a recent deposition, the officer recalled moving the gear toward the park position before getting out.

"She suffered, at the time of this incident, abrasions and contusions to her hips, bilateral legs; permanent tire marking scars on her abdomen exist to this day," said Fakhouri.

Now, Fakhouri has filed a lawsuit against the city on Washington’s behalf – asking for $2.1 million.

"She is a resilient young lady, she will overcome this, and we are asking the city to assist her in overcoming this," said Fakhouri. "If we’re not going to get that resolution, we are still continuing and preparing this case for trial."

A spokeswoman with the city's legal team said they cannot comment on pending litigation.