Politics & Government
Oak Lawn Trustees To Review Evidence Against Deetjen
Oak Lawn Village Board calls special meeting Nov. 19 to discuss evidence from police investigation into accident involving village manager.
OAK LAWN, IL — The Oak Lawn Village Board has called for a special meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19 to discuss information and possible action against village manager Larry Deetjen, following his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident last month.
Oak Lawn village board members will meet in closed session starting at 7:30 p.m. in Oak Lawn Village Hall, 9446 S. Raymond Ave. The 70-year-old village manager remains on paid administrative leave.
Deetjen is accused of hitting a 48-year-old Worth man during the evening of Oct. 10 near Harlem Avenue and 101st Street in Chicago Ridge, while driving a village-owned vehicle. Witnesses told police that a Crown Victoria with municipal plates was seen driving away after striking the pedestrian, who was left critically injured. Chicago Ridge police said they traced the car’s registration back a village-owned vehicle used by the village manager.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
>>> Deetjen Charged With Misdemeanors In Pedestrian Accident
Four days after the accident, the Oak Lawn Village Board voted to place Deetjen on paid administrative leave. On Friday, Deetjen, accompanied by his attorney, surrendered himself to Chicago Ridge police. Deetjen was charged with five misdemeanors, ranging from failure to exercise due caution to more serious charges of leaving the scene and failure to render aid to an injured person.
Find out what's happening in Oak Lawnfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Chicago Ridge police have said that Deetjen has been cooperating fully with their investigation. Breath testing and urinalysis in the Illinois State Police Crime Lab have also ruled out alcohol and drugs as mitigating factors in the accident.
Oak Lawn Police Chief Randy Palmer, who has been named acting village manager, released a written statement after Deetjen’s arrest on Friday, saying that the village board has requested all documents and evidence pertaining to the Chicago Ridge police investigation. Mayor Sandra Bury and village trustees are expected to review the information. It is not known if village board members will vote to take disciplinary action against Deetjen, including terminating his employment.
Deetjen is free on $250 bond. He has a court hearing Dec. 10 in Bridgeview.
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