Illinois man sues police after being wrongfully detained, held at gunpoint

An Illinois man has filed a lawsuit against Woodridge police department and several of its officers after he was wrongfully detained.

Illinois man wrongfully detain

The lawsuit, filed by Ekl, Williams & Provenzale LLC on Jan. 17, 2025, alleges Derrick House’s civil rights were violated when Woodridge Police officers placed House in handcuffs at gunpoint causing “psychological and emotional” trauma.

Along with the suit, House’s attorneys released body camera video of the harrowing incident.

Illinois man wrongfully detained : the incident

On Jan. 19, 2024, House was driving home to his family after a trip to a local Costco, when an unmarked squad car rushed up to him and forced him to stop, according to the lawsuit.

Bodycam video then shows officers from several squad cars approach House in his vehicle with their pistols drawn.

Officers can be heard yelling commands, such as “Hands up, right now!” and “Put the f—ing window down!” The lawsuit states that the directions House was given were “confusing and contradictory.”

One officer is heard shouting to House: “I’mma shoot you in your head if you come up with anything other than that.”

When House exited the vehicle looking terrified with his hands up and officers placed him into handcuffs, he is heard telling them, “I don’t have any weapons, I just came from Costco, dude.”

What police were looking for

In a statement to FOX 32 Chicago, authorities say Woodridge police were acting on a report of a shooting in nearby neighborhood Oswego, IL, but the vehicle involved was a different make, model, and color than House’s car.

House’s attorneys told the news outlet that officers were looking for a black Volkswagen Tiguan, not a gray Volkswagen Atlas like their client’s. The suspect’s vehicle was also reported to be carrying two occupants; House was the sole occupant in his car.

And most importantly, the license plates simply did not match.

Illinois police who wrongfully detained man realize mistake

Within minutes of handcuffing House, his attorney says the officers realized their mistake. An officer carrying a notepad with the correct license plate number notified fellow officers that the license plates on House’s car didn’t match. House was then removed from the squad car and uncuffed. An officer then attempted to justify to House why he was detained.

“Oswego PD had a shooting… the car is the same as yours… the plates match (but) two of them are off. That’s why you were placed in handcuffs. We thought you were the guy,” the officer said.

House responded, “Nah,” while shaking his head. “This is f—ing ridiculous. I’ve been out here for 15 f—ing years and never have I once in my life… that sh-t is (unacceptable)… I’m a f—ing upstanding citizen. My kids go to school here. I’m well respected. That sh-t is wrong dude. You don’t f—ing do that.

Despite acknowledging their wrongdoing, House’s attorney alleges the officers actions were unconsciousable and driven by racial bias.

In a statement to FOX 32 Chicago, The Woodridge Police Department has maintained its actions that day were reasonable.

“While we deeply regret any distress or inconvenience caused to the occupant of the vehicle involved, our officers acted under the assumption that they were intervening in an emergency, with the safety of the community at the forefront of their actions. This was a decision made in good faith, with the intention of preventing further harm,” the statement said.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability in all matters, including this incident, and will defend this new lawsuit. Our priority remains ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in our community, while also ensuring our officers are equipped with the appropriate training and guidance to handle challenging situations with professionalism.

We ask for understanding as we navigate this process and remain dedicated to upholding the trust and safety of the public we serve.”

House is seeking $500,000 “for compensatory and punitive damages.” alleging false arrest, excessive force, failure to intervene, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and municipal indemnity.

How to watch the video

Due to language in the video, you can watch the full video on YouTube.