The family of a black Oak Park man who they say was arrested by the Chicago Police Department and then unlawfully detained and falsely accused of possessing crack cocaine in 2016, has launched a Change.org petition.
As of July 6, the petition “Justice for Tyler Lumar” had amassed more than 15,000 signatures.
It tells the story of Lumar, who was arrested in August 2016, following an incident that took place at a West Side pharmacy after Lumar was denied service.
Lumar was arrested based on a faulty warrant out of Lee County over parking tickets; he was then denied bail, although he had enough cash on his person to secure his release; and then he was accused of possessing crack cocaine, which his lawyer says video evidence proves was not his.
While incarcerated in Cook County Jail, Lumar unsuccessfully attempted to take his own life. He was hospitalized until 2018, when he died as a result of his injuries.
Lisa Alcorn, Tyler’s mother, is suing the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement officials over the arrest and detainment.
“We need your help in sharing Tyler’s story and having his name be HEARD,” the Change.org petition page states. “The more public attention Tyler’s case garners, the better the chances are that Tyler will receive the justice he deserves!”
The petition adds that “Tyler’s fight is not over; we need YOUR HELP to continue to share Tyler’s name and his story.”
“There is an ongoing case seeking justice for Tyler and with your help, we can make sure Tyler receives the justice he deserves,” the petition page adds, encouraging signers to include the hashtags #JusticeForTylerLumar and #TylerLumar.
