In response to multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and inquiries from media outlets including Wednesday Journal, the village of Oak Park on Wednesday afternoon issued a statement explaining why it has yet to release police body camera footage from the May 31 encounter in which a Chicago man was shot to death by an Oak Park police officer during a fight to allegedly disarm the man.
Christian Wallace, 38, had been pulled over on Austin Blvd. at Harrison St. on a moving violation. He exited his car at the request of the still unnamed officer, and during a pat down a concealed weapon was found. In the ensuing scuffle the Oak Park officer shot Wallace four times.
Village President Vicki Scaman, in the statement, said the village was committed to transparency and had hoped to be able to comment on the video footage shortly after it was shown to members of Wallace’s family.
However, the village said it was following directives from the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force which the local department called in to conduct its investigation of the incident.
“ISP has indicated concerns about the integrity of its investigation if any associated footage were to be released at this time. The Village of Oak Park intends to release the footage as soon as it is allowed pending the completion of elements of the investigation,” read the statement from village spokesman Dan Yopchick.
Scaman, in the written statement, said, “My heart goes out to the family and friends of Christian Wallace. In the interest of full transparency, I had hoped to be commenting on the release of related video footage immediately following the family‘s private viewing. However, I do recognize the importance of respecting the independent investigation being led by the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force. Therefore, I do support waiting for the earliest opportunity in the process that release of footage would not interfere with the work of investigators. I remain committed to a speedy and transparent process for the sake of Christian Wallace, his family, the officer and for Oak Park.”
