A Chicago resident has filed a federal lawsuit against a city police officer and the City of Chicago, alleging multiple instances of excessive force and unlawful seizure. The complaint was filed by Frank Vaia on June 21, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, naming Officer Larrick West and the City of Chicago as defendants.
According to the court documents, Vaia claims that on January 1, 2023, while walking to a female acquaintance’s house at 6233 W 64th Place in Chicago, he was approached by Officer West. West allegedly stepped out from the shadows in uniform and identified himself as a police officer before questioning Vaia. During this encounter, West reportedly revealed that he was also romantically involved with Vaia's girlfriend and subsequently punched Vaia in the face without provocation. The plaintiff asserts that he was not committing any crime at the time and describes the force used against him as excessive and unreasonable. This incident is cited as a violation of his Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution.
In another alleged incident on April 23, 2023, after an argument with his girlfriend, Vaia returned to his home at 2108 Gunderson in Berwyn, IL. As he stood outside his house, Officer West arrived with Vaia's girlfriend and attacked him without cause or provocation. West is accused of kicking Vaia directly in the knee while partially dressed in his police uniform, resulting in serious injury that required surgery.
The lawsuit includes multiple counts: Count I for excessive force related to the January incident; Count II for unlawful seizure during the same event; Counts III through V for battery related to both incidents; and Count VI for indemnification under Illinois law which mandates public entities to cover tort judgments against their employees acting within their employment scope.
Vaia's complaint details significant emotional distress caused by these encounters including anxiety, fear, humiliation, pain and suffering. He seeks compensatory damages for these injuries along with punitive damages aimed at punishing Officer West for what is described as intentional and malicious conduct. Additionally, Vaia requests coverage of attorneys' fees and other associated legal costs.
Representing Frank Vaia is attorney Gregory E. Kulis from Gregory E. Kulis & Associates Ltd., based in Chicago. The case has been assigned Case No. 1:24-cv-05191 but does not yet list specific judges overseeing it.