Chicago Police Department Officer Jalen Woods sues city of Tempe, Arizona, says he was arrested without cause
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago police officer is suing the city of Tempe, Arizona after he says he was arrested without cause.

Police in Arizona took him into custody for allegedly squealing his tires, but the officer says his civil rights were violated.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Pulled from the car, handcuffed and put on the curb, a Chicago police officer said he was stopped for squealing his tires while driving in Tempe on a vacation last summer. Now, the active duty officer and his lawyer are looking for legal justice for arresting and humiliating Officer Jalen Woods.

Body-camera video showed a team of Tempe bike police surrounded the bright red rented Dodge Hellcat. Woods stepped out of the driver’s seat, confused, but he complied.

Woods did not say he is with the Chicago Police Department, but identified himself as an officer.

At the advice of one of the officers, the body-worn cameras go silent.

In a police report, officers wrote: “While the vehicle was stopped in traffic and continuously revving the engine, the rear tires began to create a squealing noise for approximately 1-2 seconds.”

In a lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court, Woods disputes that.

“They said his tires were squealing, which doesn’t make any sense because on the body camera video, you don’t see any tires squealing at all,” Woods’ attorney Benjamin Taylor said.

SEE ALSO | Officer who shot, killed Ofc. Krystal Rivera relieved of powers amid assault investigation, CPD says

Woods says prosecutors dismissed the case against him last year.

In the newly-filed lawsuit, the Chicago police officer’s attorney says Tempe police officers violated Woods’ civil rights and racially profiled him.

“It doesn’t make any sense, and the police have discretion to let a person go or not even have to arrest person for schooling tires,” Taylor said. “It’s a ridiculous type law, but the police in Tempe overreach. That’s why we filed this lawsuit, because of the overreaching, the harassment, the wrongful arrest. And he wasn’t charged for any crime.”

The city of Tempe responded, saying in part, “While we respect his position as a fellow law enforcement officer, in Tempe every individual — regardless of occupation, race, or background — is subject to the same laws and enforcement standards. The Tempe Police Department stands by our officers.”

The Tempe Police Department finished its internal review of the arrest and found the officers did nothing wrong.

“Woods’ arrest was reviewed by our department’s accountability processes, which confirmed our officers acted lawfully and appropriately,” the city’s statement said. “While we respect his position as a fellow law enforcement officer, in Tempe every individual — regardless of occupation, race, or background — is subject to the same laws and enforcement standards. The Tempe Police Department stands by our officers.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Bessent compares Canada's Reagan ad to 'election interference'

Controversial Canadian Reagan Ad Sparks Debate Over Election Integrity

On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent drew parallels between a Canadian advertisement…
Obama stumps for Dem candidates, says Trump is 'all tricks, no treats'

Obama Campaigns for Democratic Candidates, Criticizes Trump as ‘All Tricks, No Treats

On Saturday, former President Barack Obama rallied support for Democratic gubernatorial candidates…

Shocking Train Stabbing in Britain: 11 Injured – Key Details Uncovered

LONDON (AP) — A typical railway trip turned into a scene of…
Bengals-Bears game today: Chicago Bears defeat Cincinnati Bengals 47-42 as teams trade last-minute touchdowns

Chicago Bears Edge Out Cincinnati Bengals 47-42 in Thrilling Last-Minute Touchdown Exchange

In a thrilling encounter, the Chicago Bears triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals…
William and Kate's party for builders and staff who helped with move

Inside William and Kate’s Heartfelt Celebration Honoring Their Dedicated Moving Team

The Prince and Princess of Wales recently hosted a ‘thank you’ celebration…
Outrage as Swedish court refuses to deport convicted rapist, PM promises crackdown

Swedish Court’s Controversial Decision on Convicted Rapist Sparks National Outrage; PM Vows Swift Legal Reforms

A Swedish appeals court’s ruling to not deport a man convicted of…
Tim Walz's daughter attacks 'liar' Joe Rogan and labels his followers

Governor Tim Walz’s Daughter Criticizes Joe Rogan, Calls Out His Followers in Fiery Social Media Post

Hope Walz, the daughter of Tim Walz, has launched a scathing critique…
Trump invites Dodgers to White House after World Series win

President Trump Extends White House Invitation to Dodgers Following World Series Triumph

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 World Series, the Los Angeles…