Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

2 IL Cities to Pay Nearly $13 Million Over Pursuit-Related Deaths

Ten months later, and less than 5 miles away, off-duty Chicago police Officer David Harris, 42, was driving home after a late shift at work when he, too, died when a speeding car plowed into his vehicle at a South Side intersection.

January 3, 2018
2 min to read


The Illinois cities of Chicago and Calumet Park have agreed to pay nearly $13 million to the families of two people killed in police pursuit-related accidents.

In Chicago, Jacqueline Reynolds, a 56-year-old assistant at a Chicago law firm, was killed on Chicago’s South Side as she drove to a funeral when another vehicle sped past a red light and smashed into her car.

Ad Loading...

Ten months later, and less than 5 miles away, off-duty Chicago police Officer David Harris, 42, was driving home after a late shift at work when he, too, died when a speeding car plowed into his vehicle at a South Side intersection.

Both suspects who were being chased were charged with murder. The involved officers were not seriously disciplined, though the Calumet Park officer resigned, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Officer David Harris, assigned to a special saturation team that focused on South Side crime hot spots, was about 15 minutes from home when a van being pursued by a Calumet Park officer at high speeds ran a red light and slammed into his black Lexus shortly before 1 a.m. March 14, 2014. The married father of two young sons died at the scene.

According to Cook County court records, the village agreed to pay about $7.08 million to the Harris family, while nearly an additional $2.4 million went to the plaintiff lawyers.

Jacqueline Reynolds was headed to a funeral for her former husband’s cousin about 10:30 a.m. May 8, 2013, when a Chevrolet Tahoe being driven by Chicago police Officer James Sivicek slammed into the driver’s side of her Pontiac G6.

Ad Loading...

The chain of events leading up to the fatal police pursuit began about eight minutes earlier when a dispatcher broadcast over the police radio a report of a burglary in progress.

The city admitted liability in the Reynolds’ family’s lawsuit but went to trial in Circuit Court to decide the extent of damages. In mid-October, Judge Kay M. Hanlon awarded $3.5 million to Reynolds’ estate.

More Patrol

Graphic titled “5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights” featuring a compact Streamlight flashlight attached to tactical gear. Police Law Enforcement Solutions branding appears in the lower corner against a dark, dramatic background.
PatrolMay 21, 2026

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use

What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.

Read More →
graphic honoring fallen law enforcement officers featuring a uniformed officer holding a folded American flag, with bold text reading “2026 Roll Call of Heroes” and “363 Fallen Officers Honored,” alongside the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund logo.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Read More →
Graphic honoring New York City Police Department officers as “Officer of the Month” for March 2026. The image features portraits of Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro alongside department and recognition text.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month

Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Infographic summarizing results from a national survey on policing reputation. Ten key findings cover public trust, communication, demographics, media influence, local policing, AI concerns, and emergency response, using charts, icons, and statistics throughout.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today

A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.

Read More →
Product image of a Streamlight TLR-7 X tactical flashlight on a dark background. The compact black weapon-mounted light is shown in close-up beneath the Streamlight logo, highlighting its lens, controls, and mounting hardware.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police

The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.

Read More →
poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.
PatrolMay 8, 2026

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black small medical bag with supplies and a tourniquet at right on a wood table and a large headline at left What Should Be In Your IFAK?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamMay 1, 2026

What Should Be in Your IFAK?

What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.

Read More →
flashlight turn un and submerged in puddle with rain falling.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black

Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.

Read More →
Black tactical helmet with bright explosion behind it to the left, Team Wendy logo top right, and headline Recon Tactical Bump Helmet
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black military style leather boot against a blue cobblestone background with a white Garmont Tactical logo.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals

Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.

Read More →