Federal Jury Clears Joliet Police Sergeant in Civil Rights Lawsuit Alleging False Arrest

Federal Jury Clears Joliet Police Sergeant in Civil Rights Lawsuit Alleging False ArrestPost Date:10/24/2025 2:40 PM For Immediate Release Contact: City of Joliet October 24, 2025 815-724-4000 Federal Jury Clears Joliet Police Sergeant in Civil Rights Lawsuit Alleging False Arrest Joliet, IL - The City of Joliet announces a favorable outcome in the federal civil rights lawsuit Dwayne Killian v. Sergeant Edward Grizzle, Deputy Chief Robert Brown, Sergeant Raul Alvarez, Officer Ryan Shaw, and Chief William Evans (Case No. 23 CV 3741), filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. The lawsuit, brought by retired Joliet Police Sergeant Dwayne Killian, alleged that his June 2022 arrest constituted a false arrest in violation of his Fourth Amendment rights. The arrest was related to an investigation into the alleged unauthorized possession of equipment belonging to the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force and failure to return the equipment despite several directives to do so. The court granted summary judgment in favor of the City of Joliet and four of the five individual defendants-Deputy Chief Robert Brown, Sergeant Raul Alvarez, Officer Ryan Shaw, and Chief William Evans-dismissing all claims against them prior to trial. The remaining claim against Sergeant Edward Grizzle proceeded to a jury trial. After hearing evidence from five witnesses, the jury deliberated less than two hours before it returned a verdict in favor of Sergeant Grizzle, finding that he did not violate Mr. Killian's constitutional rights. "We are pleased with both the court's and the jury's decisions, which confirm that the city and its officers acted lawfully and appropriately," said Interim Corporation Counsel Todd Lenzie. "This outcome reflects the City's commitment to upholding constitutional protections while supporting the integrity of our law enforcement personnel." The City of Joliet was represented at trial by attorneys David Mathues and Ahmed Kosoko of Hervas, Condon & Bersani, P.C., a firm with extensive experience in defending municipalities and law enforcement officers in civil rights litigation. The city remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and the fair administration of justice for all residents. # # # About the City of Joliet The City of Joliet is located in Will and Kendall counties in the State of Illinois, 30 miles (48 km) southwest of Chicago. It is the county seat of Will County. At the 2020 census, the city was the third largest in Illinois, with a population of 150,362. For more information about the city, visit https://www.joliet.gov. Media Contact: Rosemaria DiBenedetto, Media Engagement and Communications Director, Cell: 847-269-5556 or email: [email protected] Return to full list >>