Recently, a man appointed as part of Chicago’s “peacekeeping force” was arrested after being caught on video striking a police officer. This incident involved Chester Alexander, who is 30 years old and was acting during a police intervention related to a stolen vehicle.
A state-funded initiative has been introduced to reduce the Chicago Police Department’s role in high-violence areas. This “peacekeeping program” focuses on involving community members in conflict resolution.
On September 22, while officers were attempting to apprehend a driver of a stolen vehicle, Alexander, along with others, began to aggressively approach the police. As officers commanded the crowd to disperse, he decided to throw punches at them.
The police report details how Alexander allegedly swung at an officer with a closed fist, adopting a defensive stance.
A police officer described how he responded by striking Alexander in the chest followed by a hit to his knee as they sought to handcuff him.
Upon arrest, authorities discovered illegal drugs in Alexander’s possession. He now faces charges that include aggravated battery against a peace officer, resisting arrest, and felony drug possession.
This isn’t an isolated incident for Chicago’s “peacekeeping forces.” Earlier this year, another individual linked to the same program was arrested for robbery and assault in a local neighborhood. Oscar Montez received a lengthy prison sentence for his actions.
In August, there were accusations that multiple peacekeepers attempted to interfere with an arrest in a different area of the city.
Recently, Governor JB Pritzker faced backlash after images surfaced from a meeting involving one of the city’s peacekeepers.
