Chicago settles lawsuit in fatal 2004 accident

The city of Chicago will pay $6.5 million to the family of an 8-year-old boy who died in 2004 after being run over by an unmarked police car. Also sharing in the settlement is the boy’s niece, who was injured in the crash.

Gregory Jones and the then-11-year-old girl were struck as they crossed a street on the city’s Northwest Side. Police said the children were struck as they walked from behind a stopped vehicle.

The two gang officers and their supervisors insisted they were pursuing armed suspects when the accident occurred. Law department spokeswoman Jennifer Hoyle said Wednesday the city settled the case because there were questions about the officers’ story.

The Jones estate will get $5.9 million under terms of the settlement, with Datondra Mitchell receiving $590,000.