A harrowing encounter with law enforcement has led to a lawsuit alleging excessive force and malicious prosecution. Lavon Vaughns filed a complaint on December 5, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Officer Fiordirosa and the Village of Markham. Vaughns accuses Officer Fiordirosa of violating his civil rights during an incident that occurred on May 18, 2023.
According to the complaint, Vaughns was driving near W 162nd Street and Spalding Avenue in Markham, Illinois when he was pulled over by Officer Fiordirosa. Initially accused of speeding, Vaughns found himself being questioned about his presence near a known drug house. Despite presenting his legal marijuana from a dispensary along with his license and insurance, Officer Fiordirosa demanded that Vaughns exit his vehicle without probable cause. Fearing for his safety, Vaughns requested a supervising officer at the scene. A sergeant confirmed there was no reason to remove him from the car, yet the situation escalated when Vaughns was forcibly removed from his vehicle, tased, and handcuffed in a manner that resulted in a broken hand.
Vaughns' complaint asserts that these actions were intentional and violated his Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights under 42 U.S.C. §1983. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for physical injuries as well as punitive damages for emotional distress caused by what he describes as excessive force and false arrest.
The lawsuit further claims that after this incident, Vaughns faced five counts each of resisting arrest and battery against an officer—charges he maintains were fabricated to justify the unlawful use of force against him. These charges were eventually resolved in Vaughn's favor but not before causing significant emotional distress and financial burden due to legal defense costs.
In addition to holding Officer Fiordirosa accountable for these alleged violations, Vaughns is also pursuing claims against the Village of Markham under Illinois state law for indemnification should any liability be established against its employee. This move seeks to ensure that any compensatory or punitive damages awarded are covered by the municipality given their responsibility for their officers' conduct within their official capacity.
Represented by Gregory E. Kulis & Associates Ltd., Lavon Vaughns is determined to seek justice through this court action demanding accountability from both Officer Fiordirosa individually and the Village of Markham collectively. The case will be heard before Honorable Judge [Name] with Magistrate Judge [Name] overseeing proceedings under Case ID: 1:24-cv-12513.