Subject Arrested in Connection with Fatal Orland Park Traffic Crash

The Orland Park Police Department Thursday, June 5, 2025, announced the arrest of Robert Barajar of Tinley Park in connection with the fatal collision that occurred in the early morning hours of May 31, 2025, at 15900 S. Harlem Avenue, Orland Park.

At approximately 3:13 A.M., the Orland Park Police Department (OPPD) was notified by the Tinley Park Police Department of a two-car crash that occurred at this intersection, which was determined to be the jurisdiction of Orland Park.

Upon arrival, responding officers began the investigation and it was determined that the vehicle driven by Barajar was traveling southbound on Harlem Avenue and struck the vehicle driven by a 23-year-old resident of Romeoville, IL., who was traveling westbound on 159^th Street, according to the Orland Park Police Department.

The 23-year-old driver suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Orland Park Police arrest Robert Barajar

After striking the victim’s vehicle, Barajar fled from the scene on foot without rendering aid or notifying authorities of the incident. OPPD patrol officers, traffic crash investigation team and detectives launched an extensive investigation, reviewing surveillance footage, and gathering physical evidence from the scene.

As a result of their efforts, Barajar, was identified as the driver involved in the fatal incident. Barajar was taken into custody without incident and charged with the following:

Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Failure to Report Death or Injury (Class 1)
Reckless Homicide (Class 3)
625 5/11-305(a) Disobey Traffic Signal (2 counts)
625 5/11-601(b)(5) Speeding 26 mph Over the Posted Limit

“This arrest is the result of tireless work by everyone involved in the investigation with the Orland Park Police Department”, said Chief Rossi.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and want them to know that we are committed to pursuing justice. We would also like to thank all the surrounding agencies for their assistance with this investigation as well. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to gather additional evidence in relation to this incident.”

Robert Barajar attended his first appearance at the 5^th District Cook County Bridgeview Court House on Thursday June 5, 2025.

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Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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