Probationary Chicago Police Officer Precious Dunn has been cleared of wrongdoing following the fatal shooting of Leevon Smith, 39, outside her home on January 18, 2023. The shooting occurred moments after Smith had been attacked by a group of three men on her block.

According to reports from the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), Smith told law enforcement that his attackers had attempted to steal his clothes and medicine, and one of them had brandished a gun. The assault reportedly stopped when a woman began yelling, and the group fled, with Smith following them. "As PPO Dunn was passing [Smith], he turned and grabbed PPO Dunn from the back," a COPA report stated. "A physical struggle began between the two and PPO Dunn unholstered her firearm as she and [Smith] were up against the building."

Dunn, who was off-duty at the time, encountered Smith outside her apartment building. Smith had reportedly asked to use her cell phone. While they were speaking, the group that had attacked Smith reappeared and warned Dunn not to give Smith the phone, with one threatening her. Dunn lifted her sweater to display her gun holster, and the group eventually left. However, Smith then grabbed Dunn from behind, initiating a struggle for her firearm.

During the struggle, Dunn warned Smith she would kill him, to which he responded, "You're gonna have to kill me then." Dunn then stated, "Watch this," and fired her weapon. As Smith continued to struggle, he fell to the ground. Smith apologized, and a second shot was fired. Dunn responded, "I told your dumba** I'd kill you. I told you I'd shoot you."

Smith, who was transported to the hospital, later explained to officers that he panicked and attempted to grab the gun. He died two days later from gunshot wounds to his left pinky finger, left hand, and abdomen. Dunn admitted to not identifying herself as an officer due to fears for her safety and acknowledged using profanity towards Smith because she was "fighting for her life and wanted to scare [him] away."

Following an investigation, COPA concluded that the evidence did not show Dunn violated Chicago Police Department policy. The office determined that the use of deadly force was "objectively reasonable considering the totality of the circumstances she face." The Office of the State's Attorney also declined to press criminal charges against Dunn, citing a reasonable belief that Smith posed an imminent threat of bodily harm or death.

Smith's sister filed a $10 million lawsuit against the City of Chicago and Dunn, which was lost in June. Dunn has since completed her probation and remains a sworn Chicago police officer.