Family demands justice, answers at rally for woman killed in car accident with SB police officer

People in the community demanded justice on Monday for a woman killed in a crash with a South Bend police officer.

Erica Flores, a mother of two, died on July 20th when a police car hit her SUV.

South Bend police officer Justin Gorny was running blue lights. It's still not known if the sirens were on at the time.

"It was a tragedy that should have never happened. I’m just looking for answers of what’s going to happen. What’s going to happen to this officer?" asked Soraida Flores, Erica's older sister.

In August, a grand jury determined Gorny shouldn't be charged with reckless homicide.

"I don’t want my sister’s death just to let go just like-- that like it’s never happened. Something needs to come out of this. I need to show this doesn’t happen again to anyone else," stated Flores.

Family, friends, and supporters walked from the County-City Building to the South Bend Police Department on Monday, handing Assistant Chief Eric Crittendon a list of demands and proposals. After promising to deliver them to the chief, Crittendon said: "On behalf of the police department, our sympathy and condolences to you and your family."

A rally organizer claims Gorny was traveling 90 miles per hour on July 20 when he crashed into Erica Flores' Jeep at the corner of Western Avenue and Kaley Street early in the morning. A family attorney could not confirm the speed but added he has been told Flores had the green light.

"I believe there were a lot of wrongs committed here – not only with Gorny but as well as with the police department as far as how they monitored and how they trained their police officers. Never should have happened," commented Stephen Phillips, the Flores' family attorney.

He said the family intends to file a subsequent lawsuit.

On Wednesday, September 19th, the South Bend Board of Public Safety will hold a meeting in the police department auditorium at 9:15 a.m. The agenda indicates the board will accept police chief Scott Ruszkowski's filing of disciplinary charges against Gorny and a letter requesting Gorny's termination.

Gorny has asked for a hearing on the issue.