A recent lawsuit claims that a Chicago Police Department officer used deadly force without justification during a response to a reported shooting, resulting in severe injuries to a local resident. The complaint was filed by Bradley Gallegos in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on March 9, 2026, naming Officer Christian Martinez and the City of Chicago as defendants.
According to the filing, Gallegos alleges that on March 9, 2024, officers responded to reports of shots fired near 8008 South Western Avenue in Chicago. Officer Christian Martinez and his partner, Officer Santos, arrived at the scene and made contact with Larry Bruce, identified as the owner of a store at or near the property. Bruce allowed Martinez access to the rear portion of the building leading to an exterior area behind the store. While Officer Santos waited for access through a gated entrance, Martinez proceeded alone toward an upstairs residence where Gallegos was located.
The complaint states that Martinez approached the residence and knocked on the door. When Gallegos opened it, he allegedly did not pose “an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm” to Martinez or anyone else present. Despite this, Gallegos claims that Officer Martinez discharged his firearm multiple times, striking him with gunfire. The plaintiff suffered “severe injuries including gunshot wounds to his hand and face.” The incident was reportedly captured on body-worn camera footage from the Chicago Police Department.
Gallegos asserts that as a direct result of Martinez’s actions, he experienced “serious injuries, pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses,” among other damages. The lawsuit is brought under federal law—specifically citing violations of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code—which prohibits law enforcement officers from using unreasonable or excessive force.
The complaint outlines two counts: one for excessive force against Officer Christian Martinez individually under Section 1983; and another seeking indemnification from the City of Chicago under Illinois state law (745 ILCS 10/9-102). In Count I, Gallegos alleges that “Defendant Martinez used deadly force against Plaintiff when Plaintiff did not pose an imminent threat,” describing these actions as “objectively unreasonable under the circumstances.” He further contends that this conduct deprived him of rights secured by federal law.
In Count II regarding indemnification, Gallegos argues that because Officer Martinez was acting within his scope as a police officer at all relevant times, any judgment entered against him should be satisfied by the City of Chicago pursuant to state statute. The plaintiff requests compensatory damages for his injuries along with costs and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. He also demands judgment requiring “the City of Chicago to satisfy any judgment entered against Defendant Martinez.”
The legal action is being pursued by attorney Zaid Abdallah of Abdallah Law based in Orland Park, Illinois. The case is identified as Case No. 1:26-cv-02649.
Source: 126cv02649_Bradley_Gallegos_v_Officer_Christian_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
