Dear Resident,

On Tuesday, October 11, 2016, a private plane crashed in East Hartford, Connecticut.  The preliminary investigation shows the crash may have been intentional.  The crash site was within 200 yards of a defense contractor's facility.  This fueled rumors that the crash was possibly a terriorist attack.

The Orland Hills Police Department was made aware of the incident late Tuesday evening after a check of the pilot's application showed an address in Orland Hills.  Police Chief Thomas Scully was immediately in contact with law enforcement authorities coordinating the investigation.  Our Police Department questioned the owner of the home listed on the application and we remain in contact with the owner.  As this remains a pending investigation, we cannot disclose more information at this time.

It was learned that the deceased pilot, Feras Madji Mohammed Freitekh, was a Jordanian National who was attending flight school in Hartford, Connecticut on a student visa.  To our knowledge, the deceased pilot has never been a resident of the Village of Orland Hills.

Prior to this incident, our Police Department has had no contact with the Orland Hills homeowner or his family.  Neighbors describe the family as being quiet.  I am confident that the Police Department has done a thorough job in checking for any involvement in this incident.  I am further confident that the law enforcement agencies investigating this incident will keep us abreast of any developments as they pertain to Orland Hills.

Recently, Orland Hills was voted the 14th Safest Community in Illinois.  I am proud of that fact.  Keeping a community safe is not just the job of the village.  It is a collaborative effort between the village, its residents, and businesses.  It is in that spirit that I am sending this letter.

The Village Board and I are proud of our community and are dedicated to keeping it as a great place to raise our families.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at (708)349-6666.

Sincerely,

Mayor Kyle R. Hastings