City Council Blocks $8.25 Million Settlement in Fatal Police Chase
The Chicago City Council’s Finance Committee narrowly voted against authorizing an $8.25 million settlement to compensate the family of Dominga Flores Gomez, a 55-year-old woman who died in a high-speed crash involving a hijacked SUV pursued by police. The rejection, passed by a vote of 18-15, signals growing resistance within the Council to large payouts tied to police-related incidents.
Gomez was killed in September 2022 when Juan C. Vazquez, a 17-year-old alleged carjacker, fled police and ran a red light at 31st and Kedzie, crashing into her Toyota Corolla. Though committee members acknowledged the tragedy, many argued that the city should not be held financially responsible for the actions of a criminal suspect.
Debate Centers on Police Responsibility and Financial Liability
Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) highlighted that the Deering District, where the crash occurred, is plagued by crime and gang activity. He expressed gratitude for the officers involved in pursuing Vazquez, whom he described as an individual with “no regard for human life.”
“As much as it pains me that we had an innocent life lost,” Lopez said, “it is still unacceptable to say this originates with us.” He emphasized that Vazquez, now incarcerated for reckless homicide, should bear responsibility, not the city. “The city of Chicago simply because we have the biggest checkbook—it’s just not acceptable,” he added.
Finance Chair Pat Dowell (3rd) questioned Deputy Corporation Counsel Margaret Mendenhall-Casey about Vazquez’s ability to pay damages. Mendenhall-Casey confirmed that a financial asset check on Vazquez revealed he had no assets and had been incarcerated since the crash.
Officer’s History Sparks Concern
Former Cook County prosecutor and Ald. Bill Conway (34th) acknowledged the tragic loss of Gomez and expressed discomfort with the pursuing officer’s past. “I hate the officer’s history,” Conway said, noting that the officer had been involved in “at least four, if not five” prior pursuits that ended in accidents. A judge has already ruled that this history is admissible in court.
Still, Conway defended the officer’s actions in this specific case, stating that the pursuit involved a potentially armed carjacker. He also commented that the vehicle, though unmarked, was clearly identifiable as a police car. “I didn’t think the officer’s behavior in this case was willful and wanton,” he concluded.
Family’s Attorney Criticizes Rejection
Tom Power, attorney for the Flores Gomez family, expressed disappointment with the committee’s decision. “They didn’t really look at the case in depth,” he said, warning that the rejection “might be something they regret.” Power emphasized the severity of the police chase, which lasted 11 miles at speeds of up to 95 mph through residential neighborhoods and near schools and churches.
“It’s an unbelievable case with respect to how many rules were violated during this chase,” he said. A jury had already been selected before the city increased its settlement offer, and the case is now expected to proceed to trial. “The City Council will have no say-so. It’ll be out of their hands,” Power added.
Calls for Alternative Policing Methods
In response to the failed settlement, Ald. Conway stressed the need for investment in alternative technologies to avoid dangerous pursuits. “We need to be investing in either more helicopters or more drone technology,” he said, suggesting such tools could help prevent risky situations for officers and civilians alike.
Ald. Nick Sposato (38th) noted that Chicago Police Department policy requires a marked vehicle to take the lead in pursuits as soon as possible. This did not occur before the five-car crash that claimed Gomez’s life. “Sometimes it’s not possible. Otherwise, you might end up losing the chase,” Sposato said.
Contrasting Settlements Approved Unanimously
Ironically, the committee approved a combined $29.2 million to four men framed for murder by former detective Reynaldo Guevara without debate or opposition. The contrast underscores how contentious police pursuit-related cases have become, especially when questions of policy violations and officer conduct are involved.
Also on Wednesday, the Finance Committee authorized a $1.9 million settlement to compensate owners of abandoned vehicles towed and impounded without proper notice. These vehicles had expired license plates and were disposed of without legally required mail notifications.
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