Anthony Kyser

Less-than-lethal force

Anthony Kyser allegedly stole toothpaste and crayons from a CVS. Surveillance footage showed that store manager Pedro Villanova strangled Kyser in an alley while other men held Kyser down. An off-duty county officer stood nearby as Villanova was killing Kyser, but did nothing to stop it, and some witnesses said the officer was pointing her gun at Kyser. Police denied the officer drew her gun and said she assisted by calling 911 and telling Kyser to stop struggling and relax. Police said Kyser's death was an accident, though the coroner's office said it was a homicide. The Cook County Sheriff's Office did not investigate the officer's involvement.