Chicago Hit With Nearly $80 Million Verdict Over Child’s Death

A tragic police chase in Chicago ends in a young girl’s death and an $80 million verdict, prompting urgent discussions on pursuit policies.

At a Glance

A Cook County jury awarded $79.85 million to the family of Da’Karia Spicer, killed in a 2020 police chase.
The incident occurred while the family was en route to pick up a computer for remote learning during the pandemic.
Chicago Police pursued a Mercedes-Benz that used an alley as a thru street, leading to a fatal collision.
The verdict could nearly match the city’s annual budget for police misconduct lawsuits.
Chicago taxpayers have spent over $73 million from January 2019 to August 2024 on lawsuits related to police pursuits.

Tragic Incident Sparks Debate on Police Pursuit Policies

On September 2, 2020, a routine errand turned into a devastating tragedy for the Spicer family. Ten-year-old Da’Karia Spicer lost her life when a police chase ended in a catastrophic collision near 80th and Halsted streets in Chicago. The family was on their way to collect a computer for remote learning during the national health crisis when their Honda was struck by a Mercedes-Benz fleeing from police at speeds reaching 90 mph.

The City of Chicago will pay nearly $80 million to a Chicago family for the death of their 10-year-old daughter. https://t.co/DsijVEWOdO

— FOX 32 News (@fox32news) December 12, 2024

The incident has reignited the debate over police pursuit policies in Chicago and across the nation. A Cook County jury recently ordered the city to pay $79.85 million to the Spicer family, a verdict that could nearly match the city’s annual budget for police misconduct lawsuits. This substantial award underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive review of chase protocols to prevent future tragedies.

The Cost of Pursuit: A Growing Concern

The Spicer case is not an isolated incident. Chicago taxpayers have shouldered a significant financial burden due to lawsuits related to police pursuits. From January 2019 to August 2024, over $73 million has been spent settling such cases. This mounting cost raises questions about the effectiveness and safety of current pursuit policies.

“The impact of this incident was catastrophic, and the Spicer family lost a bright, talented and smart 10-year-old girl who was the absolute light of their lives” – Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard Managing Partner Patrick A. Salvi II

The lawsuit filed by the Spicer family claimed that police had no reasonable grounds to chase the Mercedes, which had only cut through an alley. This assertion challenges the judgment calls made during high-stress situations and highlights the need for clearer guidelines on when to initiate and when to terminate pursuits.

Policy Changes and Ongoing Challenges

IThe tragic incident occurred just weeks after the Chicago Police Department revised its vehicle pursuit policy. The updated guidelines were designed to prioritize public safety and allow officers to terminate pursuits without fear of disciplinary action. The policy also mandates that marked police cars lead pursuits with activated lights and sirens to enhance visibility and safety.

Despite these changes, the Spicer case reveals ongoing challenges in implementing and adhering to such policies effectively. Video evidence from the police car showed officers predicting a crash, with one officer exclaiming “boom” upon collision, raising questions about the decision-making process during the pursuit.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Law Enforcement and Public Safety

As the city of Chicago reviews the verdict, the case serves as a somber reminder of the delicate balance between effective law enforcement and public safety. The substantial jury award, far exceeding the $12 million to $15 million range suggested by city attorneys, sends a clear message about the value placed on innocent lives and the expectations for responsible policing.

Moving forward, it is crucial for Chicago and other cities to reevaluate their approach to police pursuits. This may involve further policy refinements, enhanced training for officers, and the exploration of alternative methods to apprehend suspects without endangering bystanders. The tragedy of Da’Karia Spicer’s death should serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, ensuring that the pursuit of justice does not come at the cost of innocent lives.