Shaquille Barrow, a 20-year-old African American male, died on March 2, 2015, in Joliet, Illinois, following a fatal encounter with the police. The incident began when Joliet police were investigating a report of theft in the 100-block of Mississippi Avenue. The victim of the theft provided a description of the suspects, which led officers to Shaquille Barrow and another individual, Shawn Miller, 21, on Richards Street near 1st Avenue.
When officers attempted to stop and search the suspects, Barrow fled, prompting a foot chase. During the pursuit, Barrow allegedly pulled out a handgun, leading the officer to fire his weapon, striking Barrow twice. Barrow was taken to St. Joseph Hospital, where he underwent surgery but succumbed to his injuries on March 2, 2015.
Shaquille Barrow had a criminal history, including nine arrests and two weapons convictions. At the time of the incident, he was on parole for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. The police recovered a loaded .357 magnum handgun from Barrow at the scene. The officer involved in the shooting was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from the hospital. An arrest warrant was issued for Shawn Miller, who was wanted for obstructing justice, Class A theft, and assault.
Following the incident, Shaquille Barrow's mother, Loleta Barrow-Hines, filed a lawsuit against the Joliet police officer, Dennis Carroll, and the City of Joliet. The lawsuit claimed that Barrow was not posing any threat of harm to the officer or anyone else at the time of the shooting. It alleged that Barrow did not actually pull a gun and was simply running away when he was shot. The lawsuit also stated that Barrow became anxious and tense upon learning he was under arrest but did not physically assault the officer. Despite these claims, Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow determined that Officer Carroll was justified in using deadly force during the incident.
The case remains a point of contention, with ongoing discussions about the use of force by police and the circumstances leading to Shaquille Barrow's death. The investigation into the shooting and the subsequent legal actions highlight the complexities and challenges in addressing police-involved shootings and ensuring justice for all parties involved.
