Chicago, IL – A grieving family is seeking answers after a 58-year-old Illinois man, Timothy Glaze, was shot 28 times by police officers last week during a reported mental health crisis. The incident occurred early Friday morning at Albany Terrace Senior Apartments in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
The Incident
According to reports, officers with the Chicago Police Department responded to a 911 call from Charlotta Pritchett, Glaze’s girlfriend. Pritchett, who lived in a sixth-floor apartment with Glaze, called for help after noticing alarming changes in his behavior. She described his eyes as “glazing over” and believed he was in distress.
When officers arrived, they encountered Glaze holding a knife. Authorities claim that Glaze advanced toward the officers, prompting them to open fire. Glaze sustained 28 gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Questions About Police Response
The shooting has drawn sharp criticism from Pritchett, the local community, and activists, who question the amount of force used during the incident. “This is the type of thing that happens in our community when we are having a bad day, where we can’t have a bad day. If we are having a bad day, we might get killed,” said Baltazar Enriquez, a member of the Little Village Community Council.
Pritchett, who had previously taken Glaze in despite having a protection order against him, expressed regret about her decision to call 911. She said, “I don’t want to call 911 ever again in my life because it took his life. It’s supposed to serve and protect.”
Family Speaks Out
Glaze’s family released a heartfelt statement condemning the use of excessive force and calling for accountability. “We are devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved Timothy Glaze. Timothy, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, deserved help, compassion, and care—not bullets,” the statement read.
The family criticized the Chicago Police Department’s response, stating that non-lethal options should have been employed. They also highlighted the need for systemic changes in how law enforcement handles mental health emergencies.
Community Demands Transparency
Community members and activists have raised concerns about the circumstances of the shooting. Photos shared by residents reportedly show bullet holes throughout the apartment and common areas. Charles Odum, representing The Union to End Slums, said, “From the apartment to the elevator where they started shooting, it’s 15 to 20 feet. How they say he lunged at them, I cannot see it.”
The Chicago Police Department has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident, leaving many in the community frustrated and demanding transparency.
Calls for Reform
The tragic incident has reignited discussions about how law enforcement responds to mental health crises. Advocates argue that police officers need specialized training to handle such situations with care and empathy. Glaze’s family emphasized that mental health emergencies should never escalate to violence and called for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“Our deepest hope is that this unimaginable loss will inspire meaningful change in how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies,” the family stated.
Conclusion
Timothy Glaze’s death has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the community. While they navigate this painful time, they continue to demand justice and accountability. The family’s plea for reform highlights the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to adopt more compassionate and effective approaches to mental health crises.
As investigations continue, the family and community remain steadfast in their pursuit of answers and change, hoping that no other family will have to endure a similar loss.
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