Oak Lawn residents demand independent probe after man killed in crash; board says investigation was thorough

At a packed Village of Oak Lawn Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 10, 2024, residents pressed trustees for an independent investigation and personnel actions after the police response to a crash that killed a local man.

"Where is my justice? Where is my family's justice?" said Fadia Mohammed, who identified herself as the victim's mother. Mohammed told the board the driver, identified in the record as Leanne Cusack, admitted to drinking and that police smelled alcohol but did not order a forced blood draw. "I had to make five separate trips to collect my son's personal belongings," she said, calling the department's response unacceptable.

Community speakers and organizers, including Amira and others who identified themselves as local residents and supporters, accused the Oak Lawn Police Department of a pattern of misconduct and raised the names of officers they say should be terminated, including Pat O'Donnell and Mark Hollingsworth. "We want your cops to face accountability," Amira said, adding the community has repeatedly sought action at police and fire commission meetings for two years.

Board members and officials pushed back. Village president Terry Vorder said multiple external agencies reviewed the case. "The investigation was thorough, complete and properly done," Vorder said in response to speakers' allegations, and added that some related personnel matters remain subject to due process and ongoing trials.

Several speakers said depositions and videos they possess would show the driver was intoxicated and that a forced blood draw would have confirmed it; they urged the board to refer the matter for independent review and to reconsider discipline for specific officers. Organizers threatened continued monthly protests until the board took the requested steps.

The meeting grew heated as speakers pressed for answers. After disruptions from attendees, the board briefly recessed and asked individuals to leave to restore order. After the recess the board resumed scheduled business and did not take new investigative action at the meeting.

The board did note it had met privately with the family and their attorney previously, and trustees said the case also had been examined by state and county law enforcement agencies, which the village described as part of its review process.

What's next: Residents said they will continue attending commission and board meetings and pressing for an independent review. The board did not announce any new referrals or investigations during its Sept. 10 session.