Son dies after Chicago police tasing, father sues city

CHICAGO - A father says his son died as a result of police misconduct and now he's trying to ensure that what happened to his child doesn't happen to anyone else, reports CBS Chicago.

Dominique Franklin says his oldest son and namesake, 23-year-old Dominique Franklin Jr., was spotted stealing a bottle of vodka from a Walgreens last month. Police were called and when they caught up with Franklin, a struggle ensued.

"He ultimately was tased twice. On the second tasing he fell forward and struck a light pole," Franklin Sr. told the station.

Franklin Jr. slammed into a pole head first and fell to the street. His arms were quivering but he was otherwise unresponsive, according to medical reports, according to CBS Chicago. But, Franklin Sr. says what happened next is what angers him most.

"Per the ambulance report... the time was estimated at 15 to 20 minutes before he was offered any medical assistance."

Witnesses reportedly shot video of the aftermath where Franklin Jr. is seen lying in the street as police officers stand around him. Some witnesses interviewed on the evening of the incident claim no one appeared to be offering to help. That's why Franklin Sr. says he's now suing the city, according to the station.

"It's my intent with legal counsel to find out what happened. It's a duty I owe to my father and our family to find out why my son met an early death," he said.

Some witnesses do claim that at one point before an ambulance arrived, a police officer did attempt to do chest compressions on Franklin Jr.

Chicago's Independent Police Review Authority is investigating.