The Timeline: The Alteriq Pleasant Story Pt. 5

The case of Alteriq Davon Pleasant has been a shocking example of police brutality and the violation of basic human rights. Pleasant had been suffering from seizures and sought medical attention for his condition. However, on July 19, 2022, he was arrested by Chicago Police Department officers Willie Spears, Jr. and Eva Garcia. Despite being cooperative, respectful, and compliant, he was taken into custody for failing to appear in court.

Pleasant's mother, Ms. Vickki Willis, was not informed of the arrest or his condition until August 2, 2022, when his father, Alteriq Pleasant, Sr., told her that their son had been pronounced dead on August 2 around 4 pm. To Ms. Willis's horror, she was told that Pleasant's belongings had been destroyed, and she was left with only his blood-stained clothing, which were brand new on July 19, 2022, when he was arrested.

According to reports, by July 20, 2022, Pleasant had been covered in blood and suffered burns on his arms, legs, and knees. He was dropped off by CPD officers at Cook County Jail, where he was not given any medical treatment, despite his visible injuries. Pleasant was seen in court on July 20 and 21, where he changed his testimony from not guilty to guilty regarding his assault by CPD, the case he was previously winning.

Pleasant's condition continued to deteriorate, and he died on July 22, 2022, while in custody in a dorm-style unit at Cook County Jail. According to the Cook County Coroner, he was without oxygen for 40 minutes prior to the arrival of paramedics. Despite having Ms. Willis's contact information, which was logged in as a personal possession by Investigator Adam Murphy, Ms. Willis was not notified about any of these events until August 2, 2022.

Ms. Willis tried for three weeks to get her son's belongings from the Chicago Police Department but was told by Sgt. Burke and Sgt. Riordan that she needed a court subpoena to "make them give" her son's belongings to her. Investigator Adam Murphy was supposed to help Ms. Willis but did not. Shockingly, Investigator Murphy was also present and involved in the LaQuan McDonald murder case.

The case of Alteriq Davon Pleasant highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform in law enforcement. The brutality and lack of compassion shown to Pleasant, who was seeking medical treatment for his condition, is a clear violation of human rights. It is essential that justice is served for Pleasant and his family, and measures are taken to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.