An undocumented immigrant driving a semi-truck has been arrested after a crash on Florida’s Turnpike that killed three South Florida residents, in response to the Florida Division of Freeway Security and Motor Autos (FLHSMV).
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Harjinder Singh, 28, faces three counts of vehicular murder after investigators mentioned he tried an unlawful U-turn close to mile marker 170 on Aug. 12. The truck crossed in entrance of a Chrysler City & Nation minivan, which slammed into the rig. A photograph launched by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Workplace confirmed the minivan wedged beneath the semi.
The 30-year-old driver of the minivan, from Florida Metropolis, was flown to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, the place he later died. Two passengers — a 37-year-old lady from Pompano Seaside and a 54-year-old man from Miami — had been killed on the scene. Singh was not injured.
“The actions taken by the Defendant whereas working a industrial tractor-trailer are each stunning and prison,” FLHSMV Govt Director Dave Kerner mentioned in a press release. “Three individuals misplaced their lives because of his recklessness, and numerous family and friends members will expertise the ache of their loss ceaselessly.”
FLHSMV mentioned Singh was capable of get a industrial driver’s license in California. In accordance with the California Division of Motor Autos, a driver should present proof of authorized presence within the U.S. to use for a industrial driver’s license. Singh was capable of get his by the Federal SAVE System, which permits states to confirm the citizenship and immigration standing of individuals making use of for presidency advantages.
“The DMV adopted all federal and state legal guidelines in reviewing and granting Mr. Harjinder Singh his California industrial driver’s license. The federal authorities confirmed Mr. Singh’s authorized presence in the US,” the California Division of Motor Autos mentioned in a press release partially. “Mr. Singh’s industrial driver’s license is a federal REAL ID, which he was entitled to obtain given the federal authorities’s affirmation of his authorized standing.”
Singh was arrested by U.S. Marshals on Aug. 16 in Stockton, California, after authorities mentioned he fled the day after the crash. Officers mentioned he has been residing within the U.S. illegally since crossing the border from Mexico in 2018.
Kerner added, “Harjinger Singh is in custody on state vehicular murder fees and immigration violations. He’ll not be capable of injury and destroy the lives of Floridians and guests. On the conclusion of his state fees, he shall be deported.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis additionally weighed in, criticizing federal immigration insurance policies.
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“To have California ship this man in and create havoc for our state, it’s simply essentially unsuitable,” DeSantis mentioned. “It will possibly’t simply be that we do the precise issues in Florida, and someway that’s going to remedy what is going on on the ‘Left Coast’ … California, they do it in another way, they invite individuals to return in illegally, and so they present advantages.”
Singh is being held in California’s San Joaquin County Jail pending courtroom appearances and an immigration detainer filed by ICE.
