Scott MacDonald Killed In Des Plaines Police Shooting

Wrongful Death - May 26, 2023

Des Plaines Police Officers Shot And Killed Scott MacDonald During Mental Health Crisis

DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS (May 25, 2023) – A 55-year-old man identified as Scott MacDonald was tragically killed in a Des Plaines police shooting by Thacker Street.

Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place around 7:37 p.m. on Wednesday. Authorities say that Scott MacDonald may have been in the midst of some type of psychotic episode.

Officers claim that he was holding an axe before he was shot. Paramedics were called to the scene. Despite life-saving measures, Scott MacDonald died due to the severe nature of his injuries.

The victim recently lost his father whom he was very close with. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Des Plaines Police Shootings

Police officers have a solemn duty to protect and serve. But in far too many instances, people’s lives are cut short due to the excessive force of police officers. According to the Washington Post, 1,042 people were shot to death by police officers and another 4,000 were injured in 2021. Those experiencing a mental health crisis are substantially more likely to be seriously injured or killed by officers. There are many steps that police officers should take to prevent deadly encounters.

Police officers should be trained to de-escalate encounters with suspects.
Police officers should seek to identify if a suspect is in the midst of a mental health crisis.
Police officers should request backup when dealing with a mentally ill suspect.
Police officers should have less-lethal options like tasers.

Depending on the facts of any case, a police department could be liable if one of their officers uses excessive force and kills a suspect. According to Illinois Civil Code 720 ILCS 5/7-5, “A peace officer is not justified in using force likely to cause death or great bodily harm when there is no longer an imminent threat of great bodily harm to the officer or another.” What constitutes excessive force will vary from one situation to the next. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any police shooting.

Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
Body cam footage from all officers involved should be reviewed.
A thorough investigation should be conducted.

It can be hard to know where to begin after any police shooting. To make matters worse, police departments will often fail to be transparent if their officers kill someone. The family of any person that died in a police shooting may have legal recourse through a civil claim. It is extremely important that all evidence is preserved after any encounter. Evidence is what will ultimately be used to determine liability for any incident.

Investigating A Des Plaines Police Shooting

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Scott MacDonald. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. It is our sincere hope that Cook County officials will consider measures to prevent other tragedies like this.

Do you need more information about a Des Plaines police shooting? Our team of civil rights advocates are here for you. We care deeply that Illinois is free from the excessive force of police officers acting under the colour of law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.