City Council to Weigh $8.25M Settlement in Fatal Police Chase Crash

Lawsuit filed by family of Dominga Flores Gomez, killed when fleeing stolen car collided with her vehicle.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Chicago City Council Finance Committee is set to vote on a proposed $8.25 million settlement with the family of Dominga Flores Gomez, a 55-year-old woman killed in a 2022 car crash during a high-speed police chase of a stolen vehicle in the city's Little Village neighborhood. The lawsuit alleges the officers showed "a conscious disregard for the safety of the public" by continuing the chase at speeds up to 100 mph.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about police pursuit policies and the balance between apprehending suspects and protecting public safety. It also highlights the tragic human toll when high-speed chases go wrong and result in innocent lives lost.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Gomez was driving northbound on Kedzie Avenue when her car was struck by a Honda HR-V fleeing from police, after the other driver ran a red light at 31st Street. Police had been chasing the stolen car for over 11 miles at speeds up to 100 mph. The lawsuit claims officers failed to properly weigh the risks to the public before continuing the pursuit, as required by CPD policy.

  • On September 28, 2022, Dominga Flores Gomez was killed in the crash at 31st and Kedzie.
  • In 2024, the driver of the stolen vehicle, Juan Vazquez, was convicted of reckless homicide and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
  • On February 15, 2026, the City Council Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on the $8.25 million settlement.

The players

Dominga Flores Gomez

A 55-year-old woman killed in the car crash during the police chase.

Juan Vazquez

The driver of the stolen Honda HR-V who was convicted of reckless homicide in Gomez's death.

Chicago Police Department (CPD)

The police department whose officers were involved in the high-speed chase that led to the fatal crash.

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What’s next

If approved by the Finance Committee on February 15, the $8.25 million settlement with Gomez's family would then go to the full City Council for a final vote on February 18.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for police departments to carefully weigh the risks to public safety before engaging in high-speed chases, and the heavy toll that such pursuits can take on innocent lives when they go wrong. It also underscores the importance of robust policies and training to guide officers' decision-making in these dangerous situations.