Deadly ICE chase crash in Savannah: Here's what we know

A woman was killed Monday morning in a crash in Savannah as a driver fleeing federal immigration officers ran a red light and hit her vehicle, Chatham County police said.Police identified the suspect as Oscar Vasquez Lopez, 38, who was taken into custody and charged with felony first-degree vehicular homicide and multiple traffic offenses. Vasquez Lopez was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System identified the victim as Linda Davis, a teacher at Hesse K-8 School.Officers were called about 7:45 a.m. Tuesday to the intersection of Whitefield Avenue and Truman Parkway.More coverage: Leaders share differing opinions on deadly ICE chase crash in SavannahSchool releases statement after Savannah ICE chase crash that killed teacherDHS calls Savannah ICE chase death 'an absolute tragedy.' blames sanctuary policiesPolice: Crash followed attempted federal traffic stopAccording to a preliminary investigation by the Chatham County Police Department Traffic Unit, Vasquez Lopez crashed into Davis' vehicle while fleeing from U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who were attempting to initiate a traffic stop.Chatham County police said the crash occurred a short distance from the department’s Whitefield precinct and that officers on routine patrol arrived quickly. The department said it was not involved in the federal operation, attempted stop or pursuit and said it did not learn of the federal activity until after the crash. Below: Homeland Security releases info on suspect in deadly Savannah ICE chase crashDHS statement cites removal orderIn a statement released later, DHS said ICE officers attempted to apprehend Vasquez Lopez. DHS described him as “a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala” who it said received a final order of removal from a federal judge in 2024 and entered the United States illegally at an unknown time and location.DHS said Vasquez Lopez initially complied with a traffic stop but then fled, making a U-turn and running a red light before the collision. The agency said he remained in custody at a hospital with minor injuries.