In a compelling case that underscores the complexities of racial profiling and wrongful arrest, three plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, several of its police officers, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The complaint was lodged by Randy Johnson, Jonathan Shields, and Germain Sims in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on January 31, 2025. The defendants include Baker Alfarajat, Charles Flaster, John Sandoval, Ronson Solaqa—all Chicago police officers—and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The plaintiffs allege violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 following an incident on July 1, 2024. On this date, a representative from Dick’s Sporting Goods reported a "theft in progress" at their store located at 1538 North Clybourn Avenue in Chicago. The report described the suspects as two Black men, one notably tall at approximately 6 feet 7 inches. This description was pivotal as it led to the arrest of Johnson, Shields, and Sims—none of whom matched the height description given they are all under six feet tall.
The complaint details how the officer defendants proceeded with arrests without probable cause or warrants. It is alleged that these officers lacked any substantive evidence or observations linking the plaintiffs to any criminal activity. Despite this absence of evidence or direct observation of wrongdoing by any plaintiff, they were arrested based on what appears to be an erroneous and racially biased report.
Furthermore, after their arrest, it is claimed that both the officers and employees or agents from Dick’s Sporting Goods conspired to fabricate a false narrative accusing the plaintiffs of trespassing—a charge later dismissed by prosecutors on July 25, 2024. This fabricated story included claims that each plaintiff had been previously warned not to enter the store premises.
The plaintiffs argue that these actions resulted in unlawful detention and prosecution without just cause—a violation of their Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. They assert that these arrests were conducted under a city policy allowing warrantless arrests for misdemeanors not committed in an officer's presence—a practice they hope to challenge legally within this circuit.
Seeking justice for these alleged wrongs, Johnson, Shields, and Sims are pursuing compensatory and punitive damages against all defendants where applicable. They also seek legal fees and costs incurred during this process while requesting an order mandating indemnification by the City of Chicago for its officers' actions.
Representing them are attorneys Joel A. Flaxman and Kenneth N. Flaxman from Chicago-based law firm Kenneth N. Flaxman P.C., with Judge presiding over Case ID: 1:25-cv-01094.