Three women filed suit, alleging that an off-duty Chicago police officer beat them and committed a hate crime against them after they attended the June 24 Gay Pride Parade.
'That day of celebration ended in a nightmare,' said the women's attorney, Dana Kurtz.
Kurtz announced on Sept. 27 that the women filed a lawsuit that names an off-duty cop, as well as the City of Chicago Police Department, two Illinois State Police officers and a sergeant for allegedly covering up the incident to protect a fellow officer. She told press that this case is another example of the Chicago Police Departments 'policy' to cover up police brutality.
According to the suit, Kelly Fuery and Debra Sciortino claim they were run off I-55 by off-duty cop William Szura the evening of June 24 as they returned from the annual Pride Parade. They say, in an act of road rage, Szura ran life partners Fuery and Sciortino off the road after not letting them pass. The suit claims that the officer stuck a gun in Fuery's stomach and repeatedly beat the two women. The suit also noted that Szura 'reeked of alcohol.' Friend Nicole Tomaskovic, who was following the two women home in another vehicle, attempted to help out her friends, the suit claims, but was also beaten by Szura. All three women claim that during the alleged beating, their attacker yelled anti-gay and anti-women slurs at them.
Kurtz said that all three women allegedly suffered severe injuries and emotional trauma, while Szura suffered a scratch on the chest.
One of the women called 911, and two state troopers arrived on the scene. According to the suit, it was not until the troopers arrived that Szura identified himself as a police officer. All three women were arrested and charged with battery. Their attorney said the women were harassed and mocked by Szura, who was allowed to roam free while the women were processed.
The women are seeking a change in Chicago Police Department practices, injunctive relief and damages. To date, charges have not been filed against Szura.
A hotline has been set up in order to find witnesses to the alleged attack. The number is 1-888-DANAKURTZ.
