A woman in Chicago is seeking justice after a harrowing encounter with her former partner and subsequent mistreatment by the police. Miesha Bowens filed a complaint on June 21, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against the City of Chicago and three police officers: Isabel Velazquez, Martin Teresi, and Stephen Pietrzak.
The case stems from an incident on October 1, 2023, when Bowens returned home with her three children to find her ex-partner attempting to break into her house. Despite repeated pleas for him to leave, he shattered her car window and tried to force his way into both the front and back entrances of her home. Bowens and her children managed to barricade themselves inside temporarily before escaping through the back door. During this ordeal, multiple calls were made to 9-1-1 by Bowens and concerned neighbors.
When the police finally arrived, they spoke with Bowens' mother who had witnessed part of the attack via phone. Despite clear evidence of violence and property damage caused by Bowens' ex-partner, only his girlfriend was arrested while he remained free. The next day, as Bowens prepared for school with her children, her ex-partner returned and violently attacked her again, biting her arm so severely that it left a lasting scar.
When officers Velazquez, Teresi, and Sergeant Pietrzak arrived at the scene this time, instead of arresting the attacker, they charged Bowens with domestic battery. She was taken to the hospital for treatment and later appeared in court where a judge ordered documentation of her injuries. All charges against Bowens were eventually dismissed on October 24.
Bowens alleges that the actions of these officers were intentional and violated her Fourth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. §1983. She claims their conduct was extreme and outrageous, causing severe emotional distress along with physical injuries. Additionally, she accuses them of malicious prosecution based on false charges without probable cause.
In seeking justice, Bowens demands compensatory damages for physical injuries and emotional trauma; punitive damages; legal costs; attorneys’ fees; and any other relief deemed equitable by the court. She also seeks indemnification from the City of Chicago should any defendant be found liable.
Representing Miesha Bowens is attorney Jeanette Samuels from Samuels & Associates Ltd., while Judge [Name] presides over Case No. 24 CV 5179.