Bodycam shows Chicago officer shooting Javontay Kindred, who was armed with a gun

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Wednesday released body cam video of an officer-involved shooting in the city’s North Lawndale neighborhood that took place in February 2023.

Javontay Kindred survived the shooting incident with Chicago police almost a year ago to the day. The now 26-year-old was shot by a patrol officer who claimed Kindred was unlawfully carrying a gun.

According to the Cook County State’s Attorney, Kindred pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon charge.

Investigators said a single gunshot was fired by a Chicago Police patrolman on Feb. 13 of last year, striking then-25-year-old Kindred in the back. Body cam video shows the officers administering first aid while awaiting an ambulance response.

According to investigators, one sequence of the video captured Kindred fleeing from police with what appeared to be a gun in his hand. Kindred raced by the patrol officer at the moment the shot is heard, hitting Kindred in the back.

“He was lying on the ground in agony and pain, and they were searching him looking for the gun,” the victim’s uncle, Jerome Kindred, said.

Kindred’s loved ones contended that he was surrendering his weapon when police opened fire. His sister, Ebony Chapman, argued that the use of force was unjustified.

“The weapon. He didn’t point it. Why would my brother like that?” Chapman said.