The Chicago City Council is set to deliberate a proposed settlement of $22 million for the family of Angel E. Alvarez Montesinos, who died in a car crash in March 2023. The incident involved a police pursuit by officers from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) on the city’s West Side.
According to city officials, the police officers pursued a vehicle driven by a teenage suspect, who was allegedly armed, without activating their emergency lights or sirens. The pursuit, lasting approximately one and a half minutes, ended when the suspect’s vehicle, traveling at 88 mph, ran a red light and collided with Montesinos’s car, which had a green light.
The teenage suspect later pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and served 90 days in juvenile detention. City attorneys indicated that the car driven by the suspect was stolen, although this detail was not confirmed at the time of the collision. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability later recommended disciplinary actions against the officers involved, stating that their actions during the chase were not in accordance with department regulations.
The Finance Committee of the City Council voted recently to forward the settlement proposal to the full council, which is anticipated to take a final vote on the matter during an upcoming meeting. Alderman Bill Conway expressed support for the settlement, noting that while the amount is substantial, it aligns with past settlements in similar cases and represents a more prudent figure aimed at avoiding costly litigation.
Conversely, Alderman Raymond Lopez expressed ambivalence about the proposed payout. He acknowledged the responsibility of the suspect but emphasized that the officers’ failure to adhere to proper procedures—specifically, not using emergency lights or informing dispatch—complicated the situation and weakened the city’s legal position.
Lopez stressed the need for the council to address the rising costs associated with legal settlements. Recent analyses have indicated that while the city allocated around $82 million for settlements, the actual expenditures exceeded $200 million last year. He urged a review of police practices to mitigate future incidents and associated costs.
As the council prepares for its vote, the potential settlement underscores ongoing concerns regarding police accountability and the financial implications of legal claims against the city. The decision will not only affect the family of Montesinos but also reflect the city’s approach to managing its legal liabilities in the wake of tragic events involving law enforcement.
