A suspect now is behind bars, nearly two years after a bicyclist was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Barrington Hills, according to authorities.
The Barrington Hills Police Department reported this week that 42-year-old Tommy G. Walker III, of Deer Park, has turned himself into authorities on a felony charge of leaving the scene of a collision involving death. Walker is set to appear at an upcoming bond hearing at the Cook County Courthouse in Rolling Meadows.
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Police did not say if Walker had retained the services of a top accident lawyer to provide a defense.
Walker at about 10 p.m. on May 11, 2018, was driving on Illinois 59 when he struck a bicyclist, later identified as Rafal Ryndak, 28, of Schiller Park. Ryndak was thrown from his bike and later was pronounced dead from his injuries by emergency responders, according to authorities.
Walker allegedly fled the scene before authorities arrived.
Family members launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Ryndak’s funeral expenses. The effort ultimately brought in more than $17,000, though organizers had a goal of just $15,000.
“Please join the last ride with Rafal,” a person who identified himself as Ryndak’s brother wrote on the campaign page.
Local media outlets said police and other authorities engaged in an extensive investigation before Walker was identified as a suspect.
If he has not already done so, Walker likely will need the services of a top accident lawyer, as the felony charge he is facing carries a maximum of seven years in prison upon conviction.
Disclaimer: The Safety Watch article you just read includes information obtained from numerous sources. These sources include, but are not limited to, websites and press releases from law enforcement, the county coroner, fire departments, and other news outlets. While we strive to provide readers with the most accurate information, sometimes the information received is not entirely accurate. For complete details, please refer to an official police report.
The articles published contain sensitive subject matter that may be hard to read by some. We understand that losing a loved one is hard and devastating. Safety Watch’s decision to share the stories is to help others who may be facing the same situations by providing appropriate resources to the general public.