'Somebody Knows Something': $3K Reward Offered In Hit-And-Run That Killed Oak Lawn Man

ORLAND PARK, IL — A Chicago area activist is offering a $3,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in an Orland Park hit-and-run that claimed the life of an Oak Lawn man late Friday.

Issa A. Arabi, 22, died after being struck by a vehicle near 184th and LaGrange Road late Friday, police said Saturday. Arabi was reportedly the driver of a car that had crashed, the Will County Coroner's Office said, and had gotten out of his vehicle when he was struck by multiple vehicles.

Police on Saturday said that a preliminary investigation indicated that Arabi was struck by a vehicle that immediately fled. Police have not confirmed if one or multiple vehicles were involved. No additional information has been provided as of Sunday evening.

The roadway was closed for several hours from 179th to 191st streets while Orland Park police investigated with the assistance of Tinley Park police. It reopened in the early morning hours Saturday.

Detectives said they are reviewing surveillance footage and seeking witnesses who may have seen the incident or have information about the vehicle that fled.

On Sunday, community activist Raul Montes, Jr. spoke to reporters near the accident site, at 183rd and LaGrange Road.

"I just know that somebody’s seen something," Montes Jr. said. "Somebody knows something. I’m here as an activist to raise awareness, bring the person or persons who were involved, who hit this man, to justice. What if it was your family member that was a hit-and-run? You’d like anybody to speak up. I’m here to raise awareness, and I want to bring closure to the family."

Montes Jr. said he was personally offering a reward of $3,000 for any information that leads to an arrest. He did not personally know the victim or his family, but spoke with the family ahead of the press conference. Family and friends were not in attendance as they mourn Arabi during services Sunday, he said.

"It’s an outrage," Montes said, of the circumstances behind Arabi's death. "It’s a tragedy. It’s horrible.

"What happened to this man is horrendous. It’s unfathomable right now, because we don’t know."

Orland Park Police Eric Rossi on Saturday said the department is actively investigating the incident in an effort to identify the person or people responsible.

“This is a tragic event, and we are doing everything possible to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for this senseless act,” Rossi said in a release. "We urge anyone with information to come forward and help us bring justice to the victim and their family.”

Montes, too, pleaded with the responsible parties to come forward.

"I’m here at the very least to offer a reward to try to solve this case," he said. "To give somebody incentive to speak. Every day, people are getting killed. But to hit somebody and run … Whoever hit this young man, I’m asking today to come forth, turn yourself in.

"Maybe you were scared or whatever. ... Whether it was an accident or what—have the courage to come forth and turn yourself in. Because right now, this family is mourning, and we want to bring closure to them."

Anyone with information regarding the incident or person responsible is encouraged to contact the Orland Park Police Department at 708-349-4111.