#NotInMyTown — Fight For Justice

On July 1st, 2022, a 14-year-old honor student, 3-sport athlete, and active member of the local church—who also happens to be a brown boy with afro hair—was unjustly targeted, attacked, and pinned down by an off-duty Chicago police sergeant.

This sergeant was not in uniform, yet he chose to act on his authority as a Chicago police officer, alleging that this young boy stole his son’s bike—even though this child was in procession of his own ORANGE bike right next to him.

This adult did not use words—he used force; he used violence. He grabbed the boy’s wrists, body slammed him, then held him down with his knee to forcibly restrain him.

A week later, the Park Ridge Chief of Police confirmed that this boy did NOT take the bike. In fact, his statement was published in an ABC News article and reads as follows:

“Officials now have images of the person who did steal the bike, saying that it was likely abandoned by the culprit where the incident between the teen and officer occurred.”

This INNOCENT, young boy was scared for his life while at the mercy of an authority figure meant to protect him… meant to make him feel safe, not threatened.

At this time, no charges have been filed and no accountability for the officer’s actions has been taken.

So we press on in a very public, uphill battle, with the hopes of achieving justice and accountability for our family, while seeking long-term reform to reduce as many such injustices in the future as possible.

We are encouraged by the many who have asked how they can support our family's efforts to spur reform and fight this injustice—either through spreading the word, getting involved, or through financial contributions.

If you would like to contribute toward the fight for justice in whatever capacity you prefer—whether that be activism, displaying orange ribbons in your community, or donating towards this family and this movement—we thank you.

The Nieves family is also in process of forming a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying voices of ethnic minority groups and multiplying the impact of purpose-driven movements around the world.

Stay connected to the latest updates from the Nieves family at www.NotInMyTown.co.

And please, use your platform to continue amplifying this story and use the hashtag #NotInMyTown.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us against this injustice and the many others that occur in your town.