Watch CBS News

Family Says Crash Involving CPD Van And Killing 84-Year-Old Mother Was Due To Officer 'Driving Recklessly'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A horrific crash involving a Chicago police van ended with the death of an 84-year-old woman Saturday. Tuesday her family met with Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson to get some answers.

Dwight Gunn calls the crash that killed his mother Verona "absolutely 100% avoidable."

"We clearly can see the recklessness of the officer's actions," he said.

Tuesday Gunn, his brother and civil rights attorney Andrew Stroth met with Johnson to review new security footage of the crash.

"This transport vehicle from CPD clearly blew the red light, just blew right through it," Gunn said.

"What we saw in the video was an officer in his vehicle driving recklessly, blowing a red light, causing a horrific crash, resulting in the death of Miss Verona Gunn," said Stroth.

A radio call asked for backup, but soon after officers were told to back off.

Moments later that CPD transport van came barreling through the intersection of Laramie and Division.

"That officer should have yielded, and Verona Gunn should be alive today," Stroth said.

"Now we are planning her funeral, and it's tragic for our family," Gunn said. "We can't bring our mother back. Hurts us to the core."

The Gunns' attorney said Johnson acknowledged the tragedy during Tuesday's meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes.

The family said it will pursue any and all legal options moving forward.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.