JASPER COUNTY, Ind. — An unlicensed immigrant driver behind the wheel of a semi truck is facing charges after a crash in Indiana on Wednesday morning.
According to a release from the Jasper County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), the crash occurred Wednesday at approximately 10:30 a.m.
That is when JCSO began receiving numerous 911 calls regarding a multi-vehicle accident at State Road 10 and County Road 1200 West in DeMotte, Ind.
JCSO stated in its release that its preliminary investigation showed that 57-year-old Kimberly Bansley or Portage, Ind., was operating a 2003 Buick Le Sabre southbound on County Road 1200 West crossing State Road 10 and 73-year-old Paul Trapp of Cape Coral, Florida was operating a semi-tractor and trailer northbound on County 1200 West. and turning eastbound on State Road 10.
As both vehicles were entering the intersection, 38-year-old Emmanuel Lopez Tlacomulco of East Chicago, Ill., was operating a semi-tractor trailer eastbound on State Road 10 and disregarded the red light and collided with the silver Buick being operated by Bansley and shoved it into the tractor-trailer being operated by Trapp.
Bansley and Trapp sustained significant injuries Bansley’s three-year-old grandchild also sustained significant injuries.
Bansley and her grandchild were airlifted to separate hospitals while Trapp was transported to a local hospital via ambulance.
Emmanuel Lopez, who was medically cleared, was found to not have any sort of a driver’s license.
Emmanuel Lopez was placed under arrest, pending criminal charges.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has also placed a hold on Emmanuel due to his undocumented immigrant status.
The criminal investigation is ongoing.
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
