Illegal Migrant Wanted by ICE After Fatal Drunken Lawn Mower Crash
Immigration Authorities Seek to Detain Suspect in Drunk Driving Fatality
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to detain an undocumented immigrant accused of fatally striking a man mowing his lawn in Louisiana. The suspect, Roberto Romero-Hernandez, 34, was involved in a crash on August 3 that resulted in the death of 59-year-old Rickey Maddox.
Romero-Hernandez was arrested and faced federal charges of vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated. Authorities confirmed they placed a detainer to prevent his release following local court proceedings, citing concerns over his immigration status and driving offenses.
According to reports, Romero-Hernandez was driving his 2014 Chevrolet Silverado on Louisiana Highway 1 in Avoyelles Parish around 9 p.m., when he lost control and collided with Maddox, who was riding a mower on the shoulder of the road. Maddox was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died from his wounds.
Police indicated that Romero-Hernandez left the scene uninjured but was detained several hours later and transported to the local detention center. He faces additional charges for careless operation, driving without a license, and having expired vehicle registration plates.
Jail records indicate that he remains in custody. It is not yet clear when or how Romero-Hernandez entered the United States.
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