Trucker Now Arrested and Detained After Illegal U-Turn Crash

Trucker Arrested for Vehicular Homicide After Illegal U-Turn Crash in Florida

Fatal Crash on Florida’s Turnpike

A deadly crash in St. Lucie County has led to the arrest of a trucker. The accident happened on August 12, 2025, on Florida’s Turnpike.

The crash involved a semi-truck and a mini-van. Investigators said the trucker attempted to make a U-turn at a location that was not authorized. The reckless maneuver caused the semi to collide with the mini-van.

All three people inside the mini-van were killed.

Trucker Identified and Arrested

The trucker was identified as Harjinder Singh. State Troopers obtained a criminal arrest warrant for him. He is now facing three counts of vehicular homicide. Singh is currently in custody.

During the investigation, troopers worked with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They discovered that Singh entered the United States illegally in 2018. He crossed the border from Mexico. Later, he obtained a Commercial Driver’s License in California.

Immigration Detainer Issued for Trucker

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) issued an immigration detainer against the trucker under the federal 287(g) program. This program allows state law enforcement officers to carry out certain federal immigration duties.

The detainer means Singh will not be released once his state charges are resolved. Instead, he will be transferred to federal custody and face deportation.

The 287(g) Program Explained

The 287(g) program was created under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It allows local or state officers to partner with federal officials to enforce immigration law.

Through this program, officers receive special training from ICE. They can then perform limited immigration enforcement tasks. This includes checking immigration status, issuing detainers, and beginning removal proceedings.

Supporters of the program say it helps protect communities from dangerous offenders. Critics have voiced concern about how it is applied.

In this case, the program was used by FHP to make sure the trucker faces federal action after his criminal trial.

Statement from FHP Leadership

FHP Executive Director Dave Kerner condemned the reckless actions in the case.

“The actions taken by the Defendant while operating a commercial tractor-trailer are both shocking and criminal,” Kerner stated. “Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness, and countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever. Harjinder Singh is in custody on state vehicular homicide charges and immigration violations. He will no longer be able to damage and destroy the lives of Floridians and visitors. At the conclusion of his state charges, he will be deported. The Florida Highway Patrol remains committed to enforcing both state and federal law to ensure that people that are a danger to others face justice behind bars.”

Looking Ahead

The Florida Highway Patrol said it remains committed to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety. Officials stressed that truckers carry a special responsibility because of the size and impact of their vehicles.

Troopers warned that reckless driving will not be tolerated. They pledged to use both state and federal authority to hold dangerous drivers accountable.