The driver of a semi-truck that struck a van head-on on State Road 67 in Jay County, Indiana, has been placed in ICE custody after an immigration detainer was issued. The crash, which occurred around 4 p.m., killed four people identified by the coroner’s office. DHS says the truck driver, Bekzhan Beishekeev, is a Kyrgyzstani national who entered the U.S. via the CBP One app and was paroled into the country; he will remain in ICE custody pending proceedings. State investigators and reconstruction teams are continuing the probe.
Four Killed in Indiana Head-On Crash; Semi-Truck Driver Placed In ICE Custody
Semi-truck driver held on ICE detainer after 4 killed in head-on crash
Indiana authorities say a multi-vehicle crash on State Road 67 in Jay County left four people dead and put a semi-truck driver into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after an immigration detainer was issued.
Bekzhan Beishekeev, left, has been taken into ICE custody following a fatal crash on Feb. 3, 2026, in Jay County, Ind., near the state's border with Ohio.(Fox News)
The Indiana State Police reported the collision occurred Tuesday around 4 p.m. near the intersection of State Road 67 and County Road 550 East. Investigators say a 2022 Freightliner tractor-trailer driven by Bekzhan Beishekeev swerved into the westbound lane and struck a 2011 Chevrolet van head-on after failing to stop for a slowing 2019 International semi tractor-trailer.
The scene of the crash on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Jay County, Ind.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Beishekeev, 30, is a Kyrgyzstani national who entered the United States via the CBP One mobile app on Dec. 19, 2024, at the Nogales, Arizona, port of entry and was released into the U.S. on parole. ICE issued an immigration detainer to the Jay County Jail on Feb. 4; because Indiana cooperates with ICE, local authorities transferred him into ICE custody on Feb. 5. DHS said he will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
The area in Jay County, Ind., where the crash happened on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, according to Indiana State Police.
"The investigation shows that a 2019 International semi tractor trailer, driven by Gert Pretoruis (44) of Geneva, was traveling east on State Road 67 near County Road 550 East when it slowed down for traffic. A 2022 Freightliner semi tractor trailer, driven by Bekzhan Beishekeev (30) of Philadelphia, PA, that was also eastbound did not stop and swerved into the westbound lane hitting a 2011 Chevrolet van that was driven by Donald Stipp (55) of Portland."
Jay County authorities, citing the coroner’s office, identified the four people killed as Henry Eicher, 50; Menno Eicher, 25; Paul Eicher, 19; and Simon Girod, 23, all of Bryant, Indiana. Officials said several of the victims were reported to be Amish. Local and state investigative teams continue to work the scene.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement criticizing the parole decision and the issuance of a commercial driver’s license, saying those decisions "have had deadly consequences" and urging state policymakers to reconsider licensing policies for noncitizens. The statement reflects DHS policy concerns; Indiana State Police continue to investigate the crash and have not released details on any criminal charges.
A GoFundMe page reportedly set up by a family member of van driver Donald Stipp said he underwent surgery for a broken arm and was listed as in stable condition; the fundraiser earlier described him as "still unconscious." The Indiana State Police Critical Incident Reconstruction Team, the Commercial Vehicle Division, the Jay County Sheriff’s Department and the Jay County Coroner’s Office are working to complete the investigation.
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