Lawyer Says Chicago Cop Feared for His Life When He Fired Fatal Shots at Bat-Wielding Teen

Attorney Joel Brodsky, in an interview with CBS Chicago, explains the counterclaim he filed on behalf of Chicago police officer Robert Rialmo, who shot Quintonio LeGrier, 19, when he responded to a 911 call at the LeGrier family home on Chicago’s West Side.

LeGrier was wielding a bat when Rialmo shot him six times at about 4:30 a.m. the day after Christmas.

Brodsky said Rialmo told him “he felt the breeze of the bat passing his face.” Brodsky also said LeGrier swung the bat intending to kill Rialmo, who also shot a woman standing behind LeGrier, Bettie Jones, accidentally.

In this video Brodsky also explains why his client is asking for $10 million in punitive damages.

Brodsky said Rialmo tears up when he recalls that morning and the lives he took.

The LeGrier family’s attorney, Basileios Foutris, told CBS the officer’s version of events is “pure fantasy.” The LeGrier family filed a wrongful death suit against the city and the officer in early January.

“If he’s such a delicate flower, he shouldn’t be in the police department,” Foutris said. “You should be prepared to handle something like this and if you’re not prepared to handle a situation like this, get off the police force.”

• Related: Chicago Cop Sues Estate of Teen He Shot Six Times, Asks for $10 Million

• Also on Patch: Drew Peterson Judge Sends Joel Brodsky to Disciplinary Commission: Judge says he was “shocked” by Brodsky’s conduct on TV and refers him to the state’s Attorney Registration & Disciplinary Commission.