Lawsuit Seeks Answers After Evanston Woman Suffers Brain Damage

Family alleges violation of Freedom of Information Act after incident left woman hospitalized and in a coma.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police handcuff key against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a police incident that left a woman hospitalized.The family's lawsuit seeks to shed light on the details of a police encounter that left a woman hospitalized with brain damage.Evanston Today

The family of Felicea Williams has filed a lawsuit against the city of Evanston, Illinois, alleging a violation of the Freedom of Information Act after an incident on January 5th left Williams hospitalized with brain damage and in a coma. According to the report, police were called to an altercation at a bar on Howard Street, where Williams was injured and bleeding while trying to get into a passing car. The city claims officers used force to take Williams into custody after she spat blood and saliva at an officer and resisted arrest, but the family is seeking more information about what exactly happened.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the use of force by police and the transparency of information provided to the public, especially in incidents that result in serious injury or death. The family's lawsuit alleges a violation of open records laws, which are intended to hold government agencies accountable and provide the public with information about incidents involving law enforcement.

The details

According to the report, Felicea Williams' mother, Jacqueline Hoffman, said she is still unsure why her daughter is now hospitalized and in a coma. After filing a lawsuit, the family's attorney, Victor Henderson, received documents from the city of Evanston, including body-worn camera footage. The city claims officers used force after Williams spat blood and saliva at an officer and resisted arrest, but the family is seeking more information about the incident.

  • The incident occurred on January 5, 2026.
  • The family filed a lawsuit against the city of Evanston on April 10, 2026.

The players

Felicea Williams

An Evanston woman who was hospitalized with brain damage and in a coma following an incident involving Evanston police on January 5, 2026.

Jacqueline Hoffman

Felicea Williams' mother, who is seeking more information about what happened to her daughter.

Victor Henderson

The family's attorney, who filed a lawsuit against the city of Evanston alleging a violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

Evanston Police Department

The law enforcement agency involved in the incident with Felicea Williams.

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What they’re saying

“We are still unsure why my daughter is now lying in the hospital with no awareness and unable to do anything but stare at the wall.”

— Jacqueline Hoffman, Felicea Williams' mother

What’s next

The family's lawsuit against the city of Evanston is ongoing, and they are seeking more information about the incident that left Felicea Williams hospitalized. The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force has also been notified about the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability when it comes to police use of force, especially in incidents that result in serious injury or death. The family's lawsuit alleges a violation of open records laws, which are intended to provide the public with information about such incidents and hold law enforcement agencies accountable.