Kamalpreet Singh, who was detained and reportedly released at the Arizona border on Dec. 23, 2023, now faces a vehicular homicide charge after a crash on State Route 167 that killed 29-year-old Robert B. Pearson. Singh's Freightliner struck a stopped Mazda3 and pushed it under a Peterbilt, igniting a fire that responders quickly extinguished. Washington State Patrol says no drugs or alcohol have been indicated; ICE has placed a detainer with King County and the investigation is ongoing.
Man Previously Released After Arizona Border Apprehension Charged In Deadly Washington Truck Crash
Illegal immigrant caught and released by Biden administration now charged in Washington vehicular homicide
A semi-truck driver arrested in Washington state on suspicion of causing a crash that killed a 29-year-old man was previously detained and released at the Arizona border, authorities say.
Incident and Arrest
Washington State authorities identified the suspect as Kamalpreet Singh. Singh was arrested after a collision on State Route 167 in which a stopped car was crushed between two large trucks, killing 29-year-old Robert B. Pearson.
What Happened
According to local reports, Pearson was driving a blue 2010 Mazda3 that had stopped behind a white 2016 Peterbilt truck. A Freightliner driven by Singh struck the Mazda from behind, overrunning its rear and forcing it beneath the Peterbilt. The Mazda's engine compartment caught fire but emergency responders extinguished the flames shortly thereafter.
A split image showing a fiery truck crash and the suspected driver, Jashanpreet Singh, 21. Singh is accused of being high on drugs at the time of the crash that killed three people in Southern California.
Investigation and Charges
Singh faces a charge of vehicular homicide in connection with the crash. The Washington State Patrol reported that investigators have found no evidence of drugs or alcohol involvement so far; the precise cause of the collision remains under investigation. Neither Singh nor the Peterbilt driver were reported to have been injured.
Immigration Detention Status
U.S. Border Patrol agents say Singh was detained after crossing into the United States at Lukeville, Arizona, on Dec. 23, 2023, and was reportedly released into the country rather than being held in custody. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has since placed a detainer on Singh with local law enforcement in King County, Washington.
Context
Authorities have stated Singh is not believed to be connected to two other unrelated truck drivers with the same surname—who face charges in separate fatal crashes in California and Florida.
Note: Officials from the Washington State Patrol and ICE were contacted for comment. The investigation is ongoing, and details may be updated as new information becomes available.
