Trucking company facing loss of license after man found residing inside facility dies on property

A trucking company is facing the loss of its license after an incident that led to the death of a man inside their facility late last month. 

Star Way Lines Inc. is scheduled for a business license revocation hearing on Friday, February 19th in Palatine, Illinois for an incident that occurred on January 24th. 

Journal & Topics reports that officers were called to the business at 4:03 p.m. on January 24th after a man was discovered inside of the facility unconscious and not breathing. According to the caller, 49-year-old Sergei Barkhatov was last seen inside the business on January 23rd at 11 p.m. After having four beers and disclosing that he was not feeling well, he retired to what was described as “his room” inside the business. Barkhatov was not seen again until the following morning, when his unconscious state inspired the caller to contact police. 

He was pronounced dead at the scene and then transported to a nearby hospital. Officers have since reviewed security footage and confirmed that Barkhatov did “stumble” to his room around 11 p.m. and that no one else entered or exited the room. 

Because of the unique situation, the city of Palatine believes that multiple illegal activities were occurring on the company’s property, including fire and life safety code violations, unsanitary conditions, and allowing individuals to reside or sleep on the property. 

Friday’s hearing will determine whether or not Star Way Lines Inc. will have its business license revoked, suspended, or simply never allowed to be renewed. The hearing will also determine if the business will receive any relevant fines or if any other conditions will be implemented.