Tinley Man Arrested In Fatal Orland Park Crash: Police

ORLAND PARK, IL — A 41-year-old Tinley Park man has been arrested in connection with a May 31 crash that killed a Romeoville man.

Orland Police on Thursday said that Robert Barajar has been arrested as the driver in a fatal crash at 159th and Harlem Avenue in the early morning hours of May 31.

At approximately 3:13 a.m. that day, Orland Park police were notified by the Tinley Park Police Department of a two-car crash that occurred at the 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 Bartholomew Kubera, 23, of Romeoville, who was traveling westbound on 159th Street.

Kubera suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, where he was pronounced dead.

After striking the Kubera’s vehicle, Barajar fled from the scene on foot without rendering aid or notifying authorities of the incident, police said.

OPPD patrol officers, traffic crash investigation team and detectives launched an extensive investigation, reviewing surveillance footage, and gathering physical evidence from the scene. Barajar was identified as the driver involved in the fatal incident, according to police. He 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)
• Disobey Traffic Signal (2 counts)
• 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 Eric 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.”

Barajar appeared in court Thursday and was ordered detained until his next court date, Orland Park police said.