Bisard crash survivor speaks 1 year later

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A survivor of the controversial crash involving an IMPD officer talked Thursday only with 24-Hour News 8 about the hurt and pain she feels one year later. That pain is compounded, she said, by what some call a snub by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Mary Mills and her fiancé, Kurt Weekly, were on one of three motorcycles sitting at a stoplight when IMPD Officer David Bisard plowed into the group of friends.

Eric Wells was killed. One year later, several hundred motorcyclists are expected for a memorial ride for him, and a benefit ride for Kurt and Mary. Their medical bills are well over half a million dollars. The ride will raise money to help pay some of them.

One ride, one year later. Mills said she doesn’t want it to become a tradition.

"I don't want to continue this year after year after year,” she said. “It doesn’t help with the healing process."

The group planning the ride has all necessary permits, but when they requested an IMPD police escort like a previous benefit ride they organized, they were turned down.

Mills said the officer she talked to said "he was surprised they did it the first time, and the answer was definitely no, they would not participate this time around."

She said it was disappointing that an IMPD officer caused her year of pain and the death of a friend, but they can't get any support from IMPD. But she emphasized she doesn’t hold the whole department responsible for Bisard’s actions.

"I don't want to put all of IMPD into the same category I put Bisard into. Bisard is one individual," she said.

Karen Hensel, 24-Hour News 8 reporter, was first to question IMPD on Wednesday about the denied request for an escort.

The department said nine motorcycle officers are working Saturday and are already busy with other events.

"I understand and appreciate the importance of the motorcycle ride benefiting Mr. Eric Wells and the other crash victims,” said IMPD public information officer Kendale Adams. “It's a wonderful gesture of support. However, based on prior commitments and the number of on-duty resources available, we can't assist with this event."

Our call to the city public safety director’s office was not returned. The mayor's office said the group could hire off-duty officers.

IMPD did agree Thursday to close off the crash site during the memorial service Saturday.

Saturday’s events will includes a moment of silence at 11:21 a.m., the exact moment Bisard crashed into the motorcycles one year ago.

Riders will then go from the crash site to the City-County Building, and end up at Whitts Inn for fun. Mary Mills said she doesn't want the sadness of a year ago to reign, but instead wants them all to savor they are still here, still alive.

Registration for the ride is $25. It begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at 56th Street and Brendan Way. Kickstands will go up and the ride will begin at 12:30 p.m.