An Orland Park man was arrested and charged with crimes including reckless homicide in connection with a fatal multicar crash that took place June 29 at the intersection of 149th Street and LaGrange Road, near Orland Square mall, the Orland Park Police Department announced Thursday.
More Top Picks Fitbit Vs Apple Watch For Tracking Sleep
Prakash Patel, 43, had an initial appearance Thursday at the Cook County courthouse in Bridgeview, where Judge Linzey Jones ordered him released pending trial. Jones prohibited him from driving as a condition of his release.
Prosecutors said Patel was driving north on LaGrange Road at between 107 mph and 109 mph when the collision took place, with his mother-in-law in the passenger seat.
Patel’s Tesla struck three other cars, one of which was hit so hard that it was hurled into the sidewalk and struck a 66-year-old pedestrian waiting at a bus stop, police and prosecutors said.
The pedestrian, identified as Anthony Luczynski, was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by first responders, police said.
Seven other people were taken to hospitals for treatment, police said. The driver of one of the other cars now suffers from neck and back pain and is in physical therapy, prosecutors said.
After the crash, Patel was taken to the hospital for a DUI test, which showed his epilepsy medication, but he told the doctor he did not believe he had had a seizure, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said Patel had a history of car accidents, including a prior two-vehicle crash where he told police he suffered a seizure just prior to the crash.
Luczynski’s obituary said that he was “known for his sweet and gentle soul” and who loved books, reading and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.