Woman Arrested After Pulling Chicago Cop From Burning Car
On Nov. 19, 2002, plaintiff Rachelle Jackson, 40s, a caregiver, was arrested when she attempted to pull a female Chicago police officer from a burning car that had crashed.
Jackson sued the city, several police officers and officials for wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She claimed that she was attempting to act as a Good Samaritan in pulling the officer out of the crashed automobile as it was catching fire. She stated she then went to the police station voluntarily as a witness. She claimed that while at the police station she was subjected to coercive questioning including denial of the restroom. The officer that Jackson claimed she attempted to help stated that the plaintiff attempted to steal her gun and her shield. Jackson was imprisoned for 10 months awaiting trial. The trial eventually ended with a pre-jury dismissal by the judge. Jackson further stated that it is out of her character to be accused of wrongdoing and she had never been in jail before this.
Defense counsel maintained that Jackson attempted to steal the gun and shield. Defense counsel relied upon the officer’s testimony as well as the findings of the detectives who investigated the case. Defense counsel also posited that a prosecution was reasonable based upon the evidence gathered.
Defense counsel presented a signed confession by the plaintiff in which she admitted to placing the officer in a wrestling hold known as the “full nelson.” This testimony was corroborated by the plaintiff herself.
Defense counsel also pointed out that bail was only $4,000 cash and the plaintiff did not post bail.
Plaintiff’s counsel noted that Jackson never spent a day in prison in her life, much less 10 months. Her lack of experience in an incarcerated setting made her live in constant fear. Jackson stated that she has anxiety related to confined spaces, trust issues with authority figures and anxiety when she passes by the spot of the accident.
The jury found in favor of Jackson and awarded her $7.9 million.
Rachelle Jackson
$1,000,000 Personal Injury: length of confinement
$150,000 Personal Injury: false arrest
$2,000,000 Personal Injury: malicious prosecution
$250,000 Personal Injury: state false arrest
$4,000,000 Personal Injury: intentional infliction of emotional distress
$500,000 Personal Injury: cooercive questioning
Post trial motions have been filed by the defendants, A brifeing schedule has been set by Judge Castillo.