Police chief to recommend termination of officer involved in fatal crash

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski is recommending Patrolman Justin Gorny's employment be terminated, according to the agenda of the next Board of Public Safety meeting.

Patrolman Gorny was involved in a fatal crash on July 20 at the intersection of Western Avenue and Kaley Street.

Gorny was traveling eastbound on Western with his lights activated when his patrol vehicle struck an SUV traveling north on Kaley, killing 22-year-old Erica Flores.

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office requested a grand jury investigate the crash to determine if Patrolman Gorny's actions deviated from acceptable standards enough to be indicted for reckless homicide.

The grand jury returned a "no bill," which means they didn't find enough evidence to indict Gorny.

The Board of Public Safety meeting will be held on September 19.

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg's office released the following statement:

“The Chief of Police has moved for the termination of Officer Gorny, and the Officer has requested a hearing. Now the case goes before the Board of Public Safety, which is composed of five civilian members from South Bend. The Board is entrusted to listen to all sides of discipline cases brought before them and make decisions based on the evidence presented. They know the importance of handling this case, and every case, with thoroughness, fairness, and integrity.”