Chicago woman dies after five months in coma that began after she was arrested for attacking cops... now her family is suing

Published: 22:41, 6 July 2026 | Updated: 22:45, 6 July 2026 An Illinois woman has died after spending five months in a coma due to a clash with police, as her heartbroken family vowed to file a lawsuit in an attempt to seek justice. Felicea Williams, 42, was arrested on January 5 on the Chicago-Evanston border, after a reported altercation at American Ale House shortly before 9.40pm.   According to Evanston police, Williams had already been injured in an assault involving two men and was also connected to a nearby stabbing investigation.  When officers responded to the scene they described finding Williams fleeing into oncoming traffic, bleeding from facial injuries, and at one point attempting to enter a passing vehicle.  Authorities say Williams resisted efforts to detain her. They allege she spat blood and saliva into an officer’s mouth and tried to bite another's ungloved hand.  During the struggle, officers used force to take her into custody before she suddenly became unresponsive as paramedics prepared to transport her to the hospital.  Emergency crews performed lifesaving measures. But she remained comatose for months, never recovering from what doctors later described as severe brain injury consistent with oxygen deprivation. She was later charged with three counts of aggravated battery against police officers. 42-year-old Felicea Williams has died after being comatose for five years Filing a Federal lawsuit, her family say a combative police encounter on January 5 prompted her coma and subsequently her death The family’s lawsuit alleges officers used excessive force while restraining Williams and stood by as she experienced a medical emergency. Attorneys claim the confrontation resulted in cardiac arrest, leaving Williams without oxygen long enough to suffer irreversible brain damage However her family disputes much of that account. Williams had a long history of serious mental illness, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as well as postpartum depression, the family said.  They believe she was experiencing a psychiatric crisis at the time of the encounter.  The federal lawsuit was filed by the family on June 1, alleging officers used excessive force while restraining Williams and failed to intervene when she began to experience a medical emergency, stating that was 'the proximate cause of Ms. Williams’ cardiac arrest and subsequent coma.'  The federal complaint names the city of Evanston and officers Todorche Ginchevski, Jack Gutekanst, Hoo Park, Amanda Fernandez, Michael Pagan and Jonathan Kurzeja as defendants. Attorneys argue that during the struggle she went into cardiac arrest, cutting off oxygen to her brain long enough to cause irreversible damage. Body camera footage released months ago has become a central piece of evidence in the case. The video shows multiple officers holding Williams on the ground as she struggles to break free. During the encounter, one officer can be heard shouting, 'Don’t bite me,' as officers continued trying to handcuff her, before placing a 'spit hood' on the woman. Williams's attorney Victor Henderson said on Wednesday the family's quest for answers would persevere, continuing the suit despite Williams's death. Williams was arrested on January 5 after police responded to overlapping reports of violence near the Chicago-Evanston border shortly before 9.40pm Prior to Williams's death, her mother Jacqueline Hoffman spoke to ABC News saying 'my daughter and I go to see her (Williams) and to see her in that state is heart rendering' 'Whilst Felicea's life has ended , this family's pursuit of accountability has not' He stated,' we remain committed to ensuring that every fact surrounding this tragedy is brought to light through the legal process.'  'Police officers are entrusted with one of the greatest responsibilities our society can give: to protect life. Today, one family is mourning the loss of a daughter, a mother and a loved one.' He added, taking a swipe at law enforcement. Evanston officials previously said the officers were placed on administrative leave immediately after the incident in accordance with department policy but have since returned to the force.  The city also said an internal review determined the officers’ use of force was justified and that the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force had been notified. Williams’ death is expected to reshape the civil case, which could now include wrongful death claims as her family continues seeking accountability for the events that led to her fatal injuries. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Evanston Police Department and the Williams family attorney for comment.