CHICAGO (AP) — Video released by an oversight agency shows an off-duty Chicago police officer shooting an unarmed, autistic man during an incident initially described as an armed confrontation.
Sgt. Khalil Muhammad shot Ricardo Hayes on Aug. 13, 2017, as he walked on the city's South Side. The American Civil Liberties Union says Hayes had wandered away from his home and his caretaker called police, informing them he was autistic.
The grainy security video released Tuesday by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability shows Hayes running along a sidewalk before stopping. Muhammad then stops the SUV he's driving and gets out. Hayes takes a few steps toward the vehicle before Muhammad shoots him in the arm and chest. Hayes, now 19, recovered from his wounds.
Police initially called the shooting an armed confrontation, but Police Superintendent. Eddie Johnson later said Hayes had no weapon.
Muhammad remains on administrative leave.
