In a gripping legal confrontation, an Illinois resident has filed a lawsuit against the City of Aurora and several of its police officers, alleging excessive force and multiple violations of his rights during a mental health crisis. The complaint was lodged by Kristopher L. Cross in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on February 5, 2025, targeting the City of Aurora, Officer Tim Young, Officer Dave Sheldon, Police Chief Keith Cross, and other unnamed officers.
The case stems from an incident on February 5, 2023, when Cross experienced a mental health episode at his home. According to the complaint, Officers Young and Sheldon were dispatched to his residence with prior knowledge of his condition. Despite this awareness, they allegedly failed to employ de-escalation techniques. Instead, they reportedly escalated the situation by firing a pepper ball projectile gun at Cross without probable cause or lawful justification. This action purportedly led Cross to fear for his safety and move towards the officers' direction. In response, one or more officers fired their service weapons at him multiple times, resulting in severe injuries and permanent disfigurement.
Cross's lawsuit accuses the defendants of using excessive force in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and breaching due process under the Fourteenth Amendment. He claims that Police Chief Keith Cross falsely asserted that de-escalation techniques were used appropriately during the incident. The suit also highlights subsequent changes in Aurora's police protocols for handling mental health crises as evidence of prior inadequacies.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for physical injuries and emotional distress caused by what he describes as "extreme and outrageous conduct" by law enforcement officials. Additionally, punitive damages are sought to deter future misconduct by the defendants. The complaint also includes allegations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), asserting discrimination based on Cross's mental health condition.
Representing Kristopher L. Cross are attorneys Sheridan Todd Yeary from The Yeary Firm LLC and Juan R. Thomas from The Thomas Law Group. The case is filed under Case No.: 1:25-cv-1277 in front of an unnamed judge.