Cop's Fatal Shots Were 'Difficult, But Necessary': Flossmoor Chief

FLOSSMOOR, IL — In front of a crowd persisting in its cries for greater accountability, Flossmoor Police Chief Tod Kamleiter on Monday said the officers involved in the July 10 fatal shooting of Madeline Miller acted justifiably and within the parameters of their training.

"After reviewing the incident report and the body-worn camera video, the two officers responded in accordance with the Flossmoor Police Department’s use of force policy, given the immediate danger in the home and the brandishing of a deadly weapon," Kamleiter said.

As he spoke, shouts from the crowd for justice for Miller, 64, who police said was armed with a knife and had threatened to kill a family member. The incident has incensed Flossmoor residents and activists from around the area, who are calling for the Village and Mayor Michelle Nelson to take steps that would prevent future similar incidents.

Related: Flossmoor Woman Fatally Shot By Officer Had Knife: Police

"It is the opinion of the Flossmoor Police Department that our officers responded in a manner, as they were trained, to protect the multiple lives that were in danger," Kamleiter said Monday. "Our support is with the officers who were faced with making a difficult, but necessary, decision to use force during this tragic incident."

The shooting is under investigation by the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force.

Dozens of protesters have attended Flossmoor Village Board meetings following the shooting, asking that the Board of Trustees release the names of the officers involved in the shooting, and also address their concerns regarding crisis intervention training for officers.

The Aug. 15 meeting turned contentious early, with the group angered by the decision to move the public comment portion to the end of the meeting. As the crowd chanted, "let them speak," Mayor Nelson called a recess. With trustees then out of sight, attendees began shouting, "Come back out!"

Related: Flossmoor PD Shooting: Residents Call For Internal Investigation

"The nerve of these people, thinking that they're going to move forward with an agenda, when the family of Madeline Miller is sitting right here in this village hall," said Dr. La'Shawn Littrice, a local community psychologist and activist. "We pay taxes, we have a right to sit and voice our concerns, and we also have a right to have our information put on this agenda. We've been asking for three meetings in a row. There is no way that someone could be that disrespectful and say we're going to move forward with our regular agenda. We're gonna stay here until they come back out, and we're going to demand that they hear what we have to say. We want justice, and we want it now."

Several protesters were removed from the meeting after requests to maintain decorum. No arrests were made.

The group continues to request that the Village release the names of the officers involved, as well as implement the CAHOOTS program. CAHOOTS stands for Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets program, which would require a medic and mental health professional to respond alone —to issues of mental health, houselessness, addiction, and disorientation — or with police, if there’s the potential of violence. They also call for an independent investigation into the shooting, as well as "racial disparities within the Flossmoor Police Department and policing in Flossmoor," according to a statement from the group.

"I’ve come here and spoken 2-3 times before, and every time I come here, I think about how disrespectful these proceedings are for the family," Littrice said. "To tell someone that you understand but not have to go through this pain, is unreal.

"As a mother, a psychologist, and a Black woman, I have not yet seen the type of compassion for this family that should exist. We have had several discussions, and I have not yet heard anyone address our actual demands."

The group also calls for continuous crisis intervention, mental health, and de-escalation training for the Flossmoor Police Department, as well as elected civilian-police oversight and residency requirements for officers.

"Add these items to the agenda, at least give the public a chance to have a dialogue with you all," Littrice said to the board.

Homewood resident Jennifer McIntyre spoke to applaud Mayor Nelson on her interpersonal relations with people in both towns, and urged others to have patience for the process.

"Some concessions have to be made," McIntyre said. "Something needs to be done. I applaud the activists in the room. Activism is a great catalyst to demand action. But progress requires collaboration."

Nelson updated the crowd that the Village is working to plan a community forum.

"The Village Board and I echo the Chief’s statement and support the officers and emergency personnel who responded to that dangerous call," said Nelson. "What happened on July 10 is a tragedy, and our hearts are with the Miller family and all those involved. In an effort to progress and heal from this tragedy, the Village is working with professionals and community partners to schedule a community forum in an attempt to navigate this national topic of discussion. Please be assured that we will continue to share more information as the investigation progresses."

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