Fatal Washington Crash Involves Semi-Truck Driver Who Crossed Border Illegally

A semi-truck driver has been arrested in Washington state, charged with vehicular homicide after a tragic crash killed a 29-year-old man. The driver, identified as Kamalpreet Singh, is reportedly an Indian national who entered the United States illegally and was subsequently released by border authorities.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights significant concerns over immigration enforcement and public safety, particularly regarding individuals who enter the country illegally. The situation raises questions about the policies governing the release of apprehended illegal immigrants and their potential impact on communities.

Key Developments

• Kamalpreet Singh was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Arizona on December 23, 2023, but was released into the U.S. instead of being detained.
• Singh faces charges of vehicular homicide following a collision that resulted in the death of Robert B. Pearson in Washington.
• The crash involved Singh’s Freightliner truck crushing Pearson’s vehicle between his truck and another commercial vehicle.
• No drugs or alcohol were reported as factors in the crash, according to the Washington State Patrol.
• ICE has placed a detainer on Singh, in coordination with local law enforcement authorities.

Full Report

Kamalpreet Singh, a 29-year-old illegal immigrant from India, was arrested following a fatal accident on State Route 167 in Washington. Singh is accused of crashing his Freightliner semi-truck into the rear of a blue 2010 Mazda 3 sedan driven by Robert B. Pearson. The collision occurred when Pearson’s vehicle came to a stop behind a white 2016 Peterbilt truck. Singh’s truck struck the Mazda, pushing it beneath the Peterbilt, which led to a fire in the Mazda’s engine compartment. Fortunately, firefighters extinguished the flames without further incident.

Upon subsequent investigation by the Washington State Patrol, authorities reported that there was no indication of drug or alcohol use contributing to the crash. At the time of the incident, Singh was unharmed, and the driver of the Peterbilt truck also reported no injuries.

Singh’s background became a focal point after it was discovered that he had crossed the border illegally and was apprehended by agents in Arizona just weeks prior to the crash. Instead of detaining him, he was granted release into the U.S. This situation has led to broader discussions about current immigration policies and the implications for public safety.

ICE has issued a detainer for Singh to coordinate with King County law enforcement as the case progresses.

Context & Previous Events

Singh’s situation is further complicated by associations with two other Indian illegal immigrant truck drivers carrying the same last name who are involved in separate fatal accidents. The ongoing investigations into these cases raise important questions regarding immigration enforcement and road safety.