CHICAGO, Ill. — Three women claimed Thursday in a federal lawsuit that an off-duty Chicago police officer roughed them up and called them names because of their sexual orientation after this year's gay pride parade.
The lawsuit could become the latest black eye for the Chicago Police Department, which has faced tough questions lately about the actions of off-duty officers, among other problems.
''This case is another example of the corruption, cover-up and brutality that is festering inside the Chicago Police Department,'' said attorney Dana Kurtz, who filed the suit for damages on behalf of the three women.
Named as defendants in the lawsuit filed on behalf of Kelly Fuery, 36, Debra Sciortino, 32, and Nicole Tomaskovic, 25, were the police department, officer William Szura and two state troopers.
According to the lawsuit, a vehicle driven by Fuery came upon a car moving at 30 mph on Interstate 55 after the June 24 parade. Fuery beeped her horn, and Szura responded by slamming on his brakes, speeding up and switching lanes, making it impossible for Fuery to pass, the lawsuit said.
Fuery was forced to the shoulder, where Szura screamed words such as ''dyke'' and spit at her, according to the lawsuit. The women claim he stuck a gun in Fuery's abdomen, ''causing her to fear for her life.''
When Sciortino tried to step in, Szura shoved her, and she fell, the lawsuit said. When Tomaskovic drove up in another car and tried to help, Szura placed her in a chokehold, according to the suit.
A few minutes later, two state troopers arrived. When Szura identified himself as a police officer, the three women were arrested and charged with battery. The battery charges are pending, Kurtz said.
It was not immediately clear whether Szura had an attorney, and his telephone was unlisted. Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said the matter was being investigated.
Illinois State Police spokesman Master Sgt. Brian Ley said there would be no comment because the investigation was pending.
Besides unspecified money damages, the suit asks the court to issue an injunction barring any further such behavior.
In other Chicago police troubles, six members of an elite unit are accused of using their badges to shake down residents and intimidate people. One of those six was accused Wednesday of considering hiring gang members to kill a former colleague and potential witness against him.
In July, three off-duty officers pleaded not guilty to beating four businessmen in a bar in one of two videotaped confrontations that helped ramp up criticism of the department.
In the other case, an off-duty officer was caught on tape apparently beating a female bartender. The officer has pleaded not guilty.
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