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Gary board approves $6,277 settlement over police vehicle crash; members ask for accident-review detail
Summary
The board approved a resolution to settle a June 5, 2024 accident claim with Christina Mika and Allstate for up to $6,277, and members requested more information from the accident review board about the officer’s conduct and the review’s scope.
The City of Gary Board of Public Works and Safety on June 10 approved a resolution authorizing a settlement with Allstate Insurance and Christina Mika for an amount not to exceed $6,277 related to a June 5, 2024 crash involving a Gary Police Department vehicle.
Meeting materials state that the agreement will release the city from further claims once payment is made and that the law department is authorized to execute settlement documents. The board moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by roll call with a vote of three yes and zero no.
During discussion, board members asked whether the incident occurred inside the city and why the city would be liable. Staff responded that the police accident review board had found the officer ‘liable’ in its internal review, but explained that the review board’s scope is limited to determining whether department policies and standard operating procedures were followed and is not the same as determining civil fault for damages. Members requested that findings or additional context from the accident review board be shared with the board so the governing body can better understand the facts behind the claim.
No additional litigation details were presented in open session, and the board approved the settlement on the record. The law department will complete paperwork to finalize the payment and release.
