Family of motorcycle crash victims meets with mayor and police

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Springfield community members gathered in front of the Springfield Police department Monday afternoon to demand transparency from local government.

This following an Illinois State Police investigation surrounding a motorcycle crash involving recently retired Springfield Police Sergeant Michael A. Egan.

The victims of the September 5th crash were identified by family members as Chelsey Farley and Trevor Hopkins. Hopkins, the motorcycle driver, has been discharged from the hospital.

However, his passenger and girlfriend Farley, is still receiving treatment.

Caitlin Weiss and Cicely Leonetti — Farley's sisters — said that she is currently sedated and on a ventilator. "We have a huge road to recovery." explained Weiss. "He completely smashed my sister, so her pelvis was completely broken as an open loop fracture. She had broke her hip. She's broke her clavicles and, maybe some internal organ injuries that they found when they opened [her] up during surgery."

Weiss said that she had reached out on multiple occasions to speak with the mayor, the police chief, and ISP, but it was proven unsuccessful. Her family — and the community that joined forces to support them — protested to demand accountability from their government leaders.

"Justice means holding all of these officers accountable." said Weiss. "Justice means they do speak out and explain that it's wrong. And they then further with police reform and new system, so we don't have this continue to happen. Justice is justice for all."

Weiss and Leonetti said their family was joined by Sonya Massey's relatives.

"We're hurt and we are here for Chelsea, but we're here for the big picture of police reform and accountability." said Weiss. "Sonya Massey's family being here for support, it's overwhelming. It's wonderful." Weiss and Leonetti explained that today's protest was about intersectionality; that their families we're not only joined by grief and tragedy, but also a demand for justice from their government.

During the protest, Farley's family was brought into the police station to speak with Mayor Misty Buscher and Police Chief Ken Scarlette. Following their discussion, Buscher released a video statement.

"I want to apologize to Chelsey Farley and her family for this terrible tragedy they have endured, as well as the other victim and his family. I want to thank Chelsey's family for taking the time to come and meet with myself and Chief Scarlett today.
I also want to let the public know that — as the city put out in a press statement on Friday — there is an ongoing internal investigation at the Springfield Police Department. There is also a criminal investigation being conducted by the Illinois State Police.
I want to ask the public to understand why it took me a few days to make this video message. It was important to me as a person to meet with Chelsea's family first and talk to them. Before I made the statement. There are ongoing investigations. We ask that you let those play out and be patient.
If the community wants to do something. I urge you to go to Chelsey's Go Fund Me page...The funds will be used for children and her medical bills. I'm praying for Chelsey for her to get better, and I ask that in whatever way you pray, you do the same."

Egan was arrested during the protest and was charged with a Class 4 Felony of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, Causing Great Bodily Harm. He was transported to Sangamon County Jail by ISP and U.S. Court Marshalls. The ISP investigation is still in progress.