In a disturbing turn of events, plainclothes Chicago police officers fired nearly 100 gunshots over a span of 41 seconds during a traffic stop, according to graphic video footage released by a police oversight agency on Tuesday. The incident resulted in the death of one man and left one officer injured.

The footage reveals that five officers from a tactical unit, who were in an unmarked police vehicle, surrounded an SUV last month driven by Dexter Reed. The alleged reason for the traffic stop was Reed's failure to wear a seatbelt. The video shows Reed briefly lowering a window, raising it again, and refusing to exit the vehicle as more officers arrived, loudly giving commands while drawing their weapons.

According to the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), preliminary evidence suggests that Reed fired the first shot, injuring one officer in the Humboldt Park neighborhood on the city's West Side. In response, four officers returned fire, discharging a staggering 96 rounds in total. Shockingly, the gunshots continued even after Reed had exited his vehicle and fallen to the ground.

The release of the body-worn camera footage, along with 911 calls and police reports, by COPA provides a much-needed comprehensive perspective on the incident, contradicting the initial information provided by the police.

This alarming incident raises questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers and the necessity of a thorough investigation to determine whether proper protocols were followed. Violence and loss of life should never be the outcome of a routine traffic stop, and it is crucial that transparency and accountability guide the efforts to address this tragedy.

The Chicago Police Department, alongside COPA, must conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into the circumstances leading to the excessive use of force. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing police reform and training, aimed at ensuring the safety of both officers and the communities they serve.

As this case continues to unfold, it is essential for public trust in law enforcement to be restored through a transparent investigation and accountability for any wrongdoing.