SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL/CNN NEWSOURCE/WKRC) — A federal immigration operation on Monday resulted in a crash that claimed the life of a local teacher.
According to Chatham County Police, the incident began when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to stop Oscar Vasquez Lopez, who failed to yield. Authorities reported that Lopez ran a red light and made an illegal U-turn, colliding with another vehicle.
The driver of that vehicle, identified as Linda Davis, a 33-year-old special education teacher at Hesse K-8 School, was taken to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Lopez suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken into custody.
Authorities confirmed that Lopez, a Guatemalan national, had a final order of removal issued by a federal judge in 2024. He now faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, driving without a valid license, and vehicular homicide.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is investigating the incident. According to ICE policy, officials only use reasonable force when necessary and emphasize safety during arrests.
Further details regarding lane closures or tows have not been released as the investigation continues.