🚨 CHICAGO POLICE OFFICERS FACE 330 DAYS OF SUSPENSIONS OVER IMPROPER TRAFFIC STOPS! BLACK DRIVERS TARGETED, CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATED, AND TAXPAYERS LEFT WITH THE BILL!

730 BOOM RADIO | CHICAGO NEWS | OCTOBER 9, 2026

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago, we need to talk! Because what was supposed to be routine traffic enforcement has turned into another disturbing chapter of police misconduct, civil rights violations, and taxpayer-funded settlements.

A Chicago police sergeant and two officers are facing a combined 330 days of recommended suspensions following an investigation into the improper detention and search of a Black driver in September 2024.

And BABY, this is not just about one traffic stop!

According to findings from Chicago's Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), members of a tactical team assigned to the Near North 18th Police District have been linked to a pattern of improper stops involving Black motorists.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On September 23, 2024, Desmen Northington was sitting in his vehicle near Michigan Avenue and Superior Street, reportedly looking up directions after visiting a nearby business.

An officer approached and accused him of illegally parking without activating his hazard lights.

But investigators later determined the officer's justification for stopping Northington was invalid.

What happened next was even more troubling.

Three officers allegedly ordered Northington out of his vehicle, forcibly removed him, restrained him against his car, and searched both him and his vehicle.

Investigators determined the officers used disproportionate force and subjected Northington to verbal disrespect.

The officers also reportedly threatened to arrest him and interfere with his commercial driver's license and concealed carry license.

Northington was eventually released without receiving a citation.

WHO FACES DISCIPLINE?

Former Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling agreed with disciplinary findings recommending:

• Officer Joseph Vecchio: 120-day suspension.

• Officer Nicu Tohatan: 120-day suspension.

• Sgt. Erick Seng: 90-day suspension.

That's 330 days combined.

A fourth officer, Mario Fuentes, would also have faced a 120-day suspension but resigned from the department in February 2026.

The disciplinary recommendations are not the same as confirmation that every suspension has already been served.

AND THE SERGEANT?

When Northington called 911 to complain about his treatment, Sgt. Seng responded.

Investigators concluded Seng failed to activate his body camera and failed to properly initiate a misconduct complaint.

Now hold on!

If a citizen complains about the police, isn't the supervisor supposed to make sure that complaint is properly documented?

Apparently, investigators had that same question.

THIS WASN'T AN ISOLATED INCIDENT!

COPA identified a broader pattern involving approximately 50 undocumented or unprofessional traffic stops of Black motorists across neighborhoods including River North, Streeterville, the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and surrounding areas.

Investigators had determined that members of the tactical team violated department policies during 23 separate traffic stops.

More than 90% of the complaints reviewed in that investigation stemmed from stops involving Black people.

Those findings raise serious concerns about racial profiling, constitutional rights, and police accountability.

AND GUESS WHO'S PAYING?

THE TAXPAYERS!

Chicago taxpayers have spent approximately $1.2 MILLION defending and settling lawsuits involving members of this tactical team.

Northington himself received an $80,000 settlement in August 2025 to resolve his lawsuit against the city.

And additional litigation remains unresolved.

So not only are residents questioning the conduct of officers entrusted with public safety, they're also watching public money go toward defending and resolving misconduct claims.

🎙️ LADY RED'S TAKE

Now somebody explain this to me.

You stop a man, search his vehicle, allegedly threaten his livelihood, release him without a ticket, and then the taxpayers end up paying for the consequences?

HEAUX!!! MAKE IT MAKE SENSE!

A badge comes with authority, but it also comes with RESPONSIBILITY.

And if officers are repeatedly found violating department policies, at what point does somebody ask why the problem was allowed to continue?

Let's be clear: There are officers who serve their communities professionally every day. But accountability cannot be optional for the ones who don't.

Because protecting and serving should never mean intimidating and searching people without lawful justification.

BOOMLAND, ARE SUSPENSIONS ENOUGH FOR REPEATED CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, OR SHOULD OFFICERS FACE STRONGER CONSEQUENCES?

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IT HITS DIFFERENT. EVERY TIME. BOOM! 💥