Cocaine Cited In Crash That Killed 95-Year-Old Under Disabled Car: Sheriff

Ryan P. Rinda faces felony charges after investigators said he was driving more than 50 mph before striking the stopped car.

By Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff

Jun 3, 2026 4:22 pm CDT

Ryan P. Rinda, of Cary was arrested Tuesday morning at his residence by members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Warrants Team/SWAT Team, authorities said. (Lake County Sheriff's Office)

DEER PARK, IL — A 30-year-old unincorporated Cary man has been charged in connection with a January crash that killed Richard A. Krzysztofiak, 95, of Palatine, who was underneath his disabled vehicle, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

Ryan P. Rinda, of the 28900 block of West Park Street, was arrested Tuesday morning at his residence by members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Warrants Team/SWAT Team, authorities said.

Following an investigation, Lake County sheriff’s traffic crash investigators determined Rinda was under the influence of cocaine at the time of the crash. Investigators also believe he was traveling more than 50 mph just before striking a stopped 2006 Honda Accord, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges of two counts of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs causing death, Class 2 felonies; reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony; and two counts of aggravated DUI while license revoked, Class 4 felonies.

Sheriff’s crash investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Rinda on April 24. Rinda is due in court Tuesday.

The fatal crash happened Jan. 13 at the intersection of Lake Cook and Quentin roads in Deer Park. Deputies previously said the 95-year-old Palatine man was traveling west when his Honda Accord broke down and became disabled in a westbound lane of Lake Cook Road, just east of Quentin Road.

According to the sheriff’s office, the man got out of the Accord and began looking underneath the vehicle, near the engine area.

A 2024 Honda HR-V, driven by Rinda, struck the Accord from behind, authorities said. The impact caused fatal injuries to Krzysztofiak.

The driver of the HR-V, a passenger in that vehicle and a passenger in the Accord were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to earlier information from the sheriff’s office.

A school bus waiting to turn left onto southbound Quentin Road from westbound Lake Cook Road was also sideswiped during the crash. The driver of the bus was not injured.