Chicago Police Officer on Brink of Firing After Case is Dropped, Allegations Surface Again
A Chicago police officer accused of severely beating a 17-year-old boy during a high-speed chase is now facing termination after his case was dropped ahead of trial. The allegations against Officer Jeffery Shafer include an improper pursuit, the use of excessive force, and failure to activate his body camera.
Shafer and his partner, Victor Guebara, were patrolling on January 10, 2021, when they spotted a stolen car driven by the teenager. The Camaro crashed into their squad car, leading to a violent confrontation in which Shafer allegedly punched the teen four times in the head while he was lying on the ground. The boy's partner had also been verbally assaulted.
Guebara was initially charged criminally alongside Shafer, but his charges were dropped earlier this year after prosecutors cited the alleged victim's lack of cooperation. However, Guebara has not faced similar disciplinary action from the Chicago Police Board.
The incident has raised questions about police accountability and the handling of high-profile cases. The city's police superintendent, Larry Snelling, filed formal disciplinary charges against Shafer last month, alleging that he engaged in an improper pursuit, used excessive force, and failed to activate his body camera.
Shafer's history of misconduct is extensive, with at least eight other complaints filed against him, including allegations of excessive force. In one notable incident, Shafer was accused of punching a protester in 2018 after being punched himself by the protester.
The case has highlighted the ongoing debate about police discipline and transparency. The Fraternal Order of Police has appealed an appellate court ruling that required the most serious police disciplinary cases to be heard in public, leaving many wondering whether such cases will be heard behind closed doors.
A Chicago police officer accused of severely beating a 17-year-old boy during a high-speed chase is now facing termination after his case was dropped ahead of trial. The allegations against Officer Jeffery Shafer include an improper pursuit, the use of excessive force, and failure to activate his body camera.
Shafer and his partner, Victor Guebara, were patrolling on January 10, 2021, when they spotted a stolen car driven by the teenager. The Camaro crashed into their squad car, leading to a violent confrontation in which Shafer allegedly punched the teen four times in the head while he was lying on the ground. The boy's partner had also been verbally assaulted.
Guebara was initially charged criminally alongside Shafer, but his charges were dropped earlier this year after prosecutors cited the alleged victim's lack of cooperation. However, Guebara has not faced similar disciplinary action from the Chicago Police Board.
The incident has raised questions about police accountability and the handling of high-profile cases. The city's police superintendent, Larry Snelling, filed formal disciplinary charges against Shafer last month, alleging that he engaged in an improper pursuit, used excessive force, and failed to activate his body camera.
Shafer's history of misconduct is extensive, with at least eight other complaints filed against him, including allegations of excessive force. In one notable incident, Shafer was accused of punching a protester in 2018 after being punched himself by the protester.
The case has highlighted the ongoing debate about police discipline and transparency. The Fraternal Order of Police has appealed an appellate court ruling that required the most serious police disciplinary cases to be heard in public, leaving many wondering whether such cases will be heard behind closed doors.
he's been accused of some serious stuff before and this latest incident was just another example of him being super reckless on the job 
I mean, four punches to a 17-year-old's head while he's down? That's just brutal 
And what's up with his partner Guebara not facing any disciplinary action after getting verbally assaulted too? It's like, come on police department, get your act together 
The fact that the case was dropped and Shafer is now facing termination is about time, but it's also a bit late considering how many other complaints he's had 
I just wish we could see more accountability in cases like this, especially when it comes to transparency 
I'm not surprised really... another officer with a history of misconduct getting away with it 
. It's like they're just waiting for someone to slip up so they can clear their records 
. And what's with the fact that Guebara didn't face disciplinary action too? Doesn't seem fair 
. Can't help but wonder if they're just trying to save the department from bad PR or what's really going on here 
and everyone knows it 
. He's got this history of misconduct going on and they're still letting him walk around with a badge? Not fair to the public or the boy he beat up 
. I'm so sick of all these cases being dropped or not getting the justice they deserve... like, what even is the point of having a police board if they can just ignore all these allegations?! 
Shafer's got a history of using excessive force and it's crazy that Guebara didn't get the same treatment 
how can they just drop all these allegations and let him go without even getting fired?! 
and another thing, why hasn't Guebara gotten disciplined too?! 
. It's also really concerning that some cases might be heard behind closed doors, like the Fraternal Order of Police is fighting for 
. Transparency is key in building trust between law enforcement and the community 
. We need more transparency and public accountability so that we can trust our law enforcement agencies to do what's right.
But Guebara, who was also involved in the incident, is still free to roam around, huh? It just doesn't seem fair.
The city's police superintendent finally taking action is about time, though. Maybe this case will be the wake-up call the community needs to demand more transparency from law enforcement.
how can someone get away scot-free after being accused of doing this to that poor teenager? 
what's up with all these police officers gettin away scot free? shouldn't we have some kinda system in place to hold them accountable for their actions?