In a recent court filing, Esteban Navarro has lodged a complaint against Chicago Police Officers Vidljinovic (Star #4051), Carroll (Star #5697), and several unknown officers. The complaint was filed on May 31, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Navarro's lawsuit alleges that on July 17, 2023, he was subjected to an unlawful search and false arrest by the named officers while walking near Lincoln Avenue and Catalpa Street in Chicago. According to the complaint, Navarro, a high school student at the time, was approached by Officers Vidljinovic and Carroll who exited an unmarked police vehicle and forcibly detained him without probable cause. The officers allegedly accused Navarro of looking like someone about to commit a robbery.
During the incident, Navarro attempted to call his mother using his AirPods but was prevented from doing so when one of the unknown officers removed the device from his ear. Despite not finding any incriminating evidence during their search of Navarro’s belongings, the officers transported him to a nearby police station where he was held for over an hour before being released without charges.
The plaintiff asserts that he suffered physical injuries due to excessively tight handcuffs applied by Officer Vidljinovic and experienced significant emotional distress as a result of the encounter. Navarro's mother reportedly overheard parts of the altercation through her son's AirPods and frantically searched multiple police stations trying to locate him.
Navarro is seeking compensatory damages for pain and suffering, loss of freedom, and emotional injuries. Additionally, he is requesting punitive damages against the individual defendants in their personal capacities for what he describes as malicious and oppressive conduct. The legal basis for these claims includes violations under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 related to illegal seizure, false arrest, and excessive force.
Representing Navarro is attorney Christopher R. Smith from Christopher Smith Trial Group LLC. The case will be presided over by Judge [Name] with Magistrate Judge [Name] also involved in proceedings under Case ID: 1:24-cv-04536.