FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Subject Charged in Connection with Fatal Traffic Crash

Orland Park, IL – August 20, 2026 – The Orland Park Police Department announces the arrest of Prakash Patel of Orland Park in connection with the fatal collision that occurred on June 29, 2026, at the 14900 block of LaGrange Rd., Orland Park.

At approximately 10:52 a.m., the Orland Park Police Department (OPPD) responded to the intersection of 149^th St. at LaGrange Rd. for a traffic crash involving multiple vehicles. Upon arrival, officers began the investigation and determined the vehicle driven by Patel was traveling northbound on LaGrange Rd. at a high rate of speed. Patel’s vehicle struck three other vehicles also traveling northbound on LaGrange Rd. Two of those vehicles were forced off the roadway in an easterly direction. One of those vehicles struck a 66-year-old male pedestrian who was standing on the southeast corner of LaGrange Rd. at 149^th St. The pedestrian, who was waiting at a bus stop, suffered life-threatening injuries. The Orland Fire Protection District and officers on scene began lifesaving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

In total, seven people were transported to local-area hospitals, where they were treated and released. The Orland Park Police Department’s Traffic Unit conducted the fatal crash investigation.  

On Aug. 19, 2026, the Orland Park Police Department arrested Patel without incident. The Traffic Unit worked closely with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, and Patel was charged with the following:

• 720 ILCS 5/9-3(a) Reckless Homicide; Class 3 felony
• 625 ILCS 5/11-503(a)(1) Aggravated Reckless Driving; Class 4 felony (2 counts)
• 625 ILCS 5/11-503(a) Reckless Driving; Class A misdemeanor
• 14 additional traffic violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code

The Orland Park Police Department thanks the Illinois State Police, the Orland Fire Protection District, the Palos Fire Protection District and the Village of Orland Park’s Emergency Management Agency for their assistance with this investigation.

Prakash Patel will attend his first appearance at the Cook County Fifth Municipal District Courthouse in Bridgeview today.

Arrest:                                                                                   

Prakash Patel

(Male / 43 years old)

Orland Park, IL.

For more information, please contact:

Sergeant Rich Whalen at

708-364-8102 or

rwhalen@orlandpark.org

(All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)

###