A new lawsuit has been filed against the Joliet police following the death of 39-year-old David Malito in police custody. The incident occurred at a gas station last Christmas and has raised serious concerns about police conduct and excessive force. Body-camera footage shows Malito struggling with officers before he ultimately died shortly after the confrontation.
Details Surrounding the Incident
According to reports, Malito was exhibiting erratic behavior prior to the altercation. During the struggle, an officer placed his knee on Malito’s back while he was restrained. Following the incident, police indicated that Malito had drugs in his system and attributed his death to an overdose.
Investigation and Family Response
- Malito’s family is now pursuing legal action against the Joliet police.
- They are demanding an independent investigation into the events leading to his death.
- The family is also calling for improved training for officers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Despite the family’s concerns, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office has cleared the officers involved of any wrongdoing. This has led to further scrutiny of the police department’s practices, especially in light of a recent report from the Illinois Attorney General.
Previous Reports of Excessive Force
This incident is particularly troubling given a three-year report that identified a pattern of excessive force by the Joliet police. The report was initiated after the in-custody death of Eric Lurry in 2020, who also died from a drug overdose while police attempted to remove substances from his mouth.
As the situation develops, the call for accountability and reforms within the Joliet police department has intensified. The community is watching closely, hoping for meaningful change to ensure safety and justice for all residents.
