The family of Felicea Williams, a woman who became comatose after her arrest by Evanston police in January, has filed a federal lawsuit against the city and six police officers.
Police arrested Williams, 42, of Evanston, the night of Jan. 5 outside the American Ale House, a bar at 2335 W. Howard St. in Chicago, near the Evanston border. Williams was involved in an altercation with the officers during the arrest and soon became unresponsive, prompting transport to a local hospital where she has been comatose ever since. She was charged with three felony counts of aggravated battery to a police officer.
Williams’ family hired The Cochran Firm’s Chicago office to investigate. Attorney Victor Henderson requested all Evanston Police Department records concerning Williams’ arrest on Jan. 23. After months of what he described as “obliterating silence” from the city, the family sued for the records.
The family has now filed a second lawsuit against the city and six Evanston police officers alleging use of excessive force and lack of intervention as Williams showed signs of medical distress. The complaint states that Williams suffered cardiac arrest during the arrest and has remained in a coma for five months.
The lawsuit names the City of Evanston and officers Todorche Ginchevski, Jack Gutekanst, Hoo Park, Amanda Fernandez, Michael Pagan and Jonathan Kurzeja as defendants.
Asked about the lawsuit, Cynthia Vargas, spokesperson for the City of Evanston, speaking for the city and its police department, said Monday “the city has not been served with a lawsuit and cannot comment on pending litigation.”…