DUPAGE COUNTY — An Illinois man has filed a lawsuit against the Woodridge Police Department and several of its officers after they mistakenly detained him while searching for suspects in connection with a crime last year.
The complaint, filed by the law firm Ekl, Williams & Provenzale LLC, alleges Derrick House’s rights were violated when Woodridge officers placed him in handcuffs at gunpoint in front of neighbors, causing “psychological and emotional” trauma.
On Jan. 19, 2024, House was driving home from Costco when an unmarked squad car forced him to stop, according to the lawsuit.
Bodycam video shows officers surrounding him with their guns drawn and shouting conflicting commands, such as “Hands up, right now!” and “Put the f—ing window down!”
According to the lawsuit and an officer at the scene, Woodridge police were acting on a report of a shooting in Oswego that involved a different car with different plates, make, color, and number of occupants.
Within a minute of handcuffing House, attorneys for House say the officers realized their mistake. One officer is seen on bodycam footage admitting to House, “I f—ed this up.”
Despite acknowledging the error, House’s attorneys allege the officers acted unreasonably and disproportionately, driven by racial bias, since he is a Black man. They say the real suspects in the reported crime were still in the area and allowed to remain a threat to the community.
Once Woodridge officers realized they had the wrong person, House was removed from a squad car and his handcuffs were removed.
An officer then explains to House why he was detained.
“We’re taking you out of the handcuffs and letting you go,” the officer said. “Oswego PD had a shooting… the car is the same as yours… the plates match (but) two of them are off. That’s why you were placed in handcuffs. We thought you were the guy.”
House is heard responding, “Nah,” while shaking his head. “This is f—ing ridiculous. I’ve been out here for 15 f—ing years and never have I once in my life… that sh-t is (unacceptable)… I’m a f—ing upstanding citizen. My kids go to school here. I’m well respected. That sh-t is wrong dude. You don’t f—ing do that.”
Read more on FOX32 CHICAGO