A Chicago police officer has been charged with aggravated battery after shoving an eighth grader outside his school. The officer, Craig Lancaster, was relieved of his duties following the incident. The teenager’s attorney hopes for accountability in the criminal justice system. Atlanta Black Star reported
A Chicago police officer is now facing charges several months after he forcefully shoved an eighth grader outside of the child’s school, according to the attorney representing the child. The incident occurred at Walter Q. Gresham Elementary School and resulted in Craig Lancaster being charged with aggravated battery. He was also relieved of his duties on the same day. JaQuwaun Williams’ attorney, Jordan Marsh, expressed hope for justice and accountability in the criminal justice system, stating that the assault was an unprovoked act of violence by a 55-year-old sworn police officer against an innocent teenager.
Williams’ legal guardian recently filed a lawsuit against Lancaster and the city of Chicago. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 when Williams, who was 14 years old at the time, had just finished playing basketball with a friend and was entering the school. At the same time, a teacher was conversing with Officer Lancaster in front of the school door. As Williams attempted to enter the building, the physical encounter occurred. According to Williams’ account, Lancaster jammed his hand into his throat and stepped towards him, threatening to harm him.
Security footage captured the moment when Lancaster struck Williams, causing him to step backward. The teacher intervened and positioned herself between the two individuals, directing Williams to a nearby brick wall. Lancaster and the teacher had a brief exchange before he walked towards the parking lot. It is important to note that the video does not have audio, so the exact words exchanged remain unclear.
As Lancaster left the scene, he encountered a security guard who stopped him. Lancaster displayed his police star and gun-holster, entered his car, and left the premises. Court documents revealed Lancaster’s history of alleged misconduct, including seven accusations of off-duty excessive force and two 30-day suspensions for off-duty misconduct. The lawsuit states that the City of Chicago has been aware of Lancaster’s propensity for off-duty violence and misconduct.
Timothy Grace, Lancaster’s attorney, claimed that Williams posed a danger to the students and staff, a statement that Marsh disagreed with. The surveillance footage does not show Williams acting in a threatening manner. Williams, now in high school, spoke about the impact of the incident, expressing shock and embarrassment. Marsh emphasized that the incident will have long-lasting effects on Williams, especially during his formative years.
In conclusion, a Chicago police officer has been charged with aggravated battery after forcefully shoving an eighth grader outside of his school. The incident was captured on surveillance footage and has led to a lawsuit against the officer and the city of Chicago. The attorney representing the child hopes for justice and accountability in the criminal justice system. The incident has had a significant impact on the child, who expressed shock and embarrassment. The officer’s history of alleged misconduct has also been brought to light..