Homer Glen Driver Charged With DUI, Leaving Scene Of Fatal Crash

HOMER GLEN, IL — A Homer Glen man has been arrested for his involvement in a fatal traffic crash on Interstate 55 early Sunday morning, Illinois State Police said. Rami Matariyeh, 23, has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash-death, leaving the scene of a crash-great bodily harm, aggravated DUI-death, aggravated DUI-great bodily harm and reckless homicide.

State police said the crash occurred at 3:19 a.m. April 28 on I-55 southbound at Damen Avenue. Through their investigation, police learned that Matariyeh was driving on I-55 when he struck an on-duty Uber in the rear. The Uber became fully engulfed in flame after the impact. Three of the four occupants of the Uber were able to escape and were taken to a local hospital.

According to police, the rear seat passenger, Jamie Poulos, was unable to escape from the car and was pronounced deceased on scene.

The passenger of Matariyeh's vehicle was injured and taken to a local hospital. Police said Materiyeh left the scene of the crash but was later apprehended at his home. He was also taken to a local hospital for his injuries.

Matariyeh is currently being held at the Chicago Police Department District 1 awaiting a bond hearing.