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Savannah Today
By the People, for the People
Man Charged in Crash That Killed Georgia Teacher During DHS/ICE Pursuit
Oscar Vasquez Lopez faces vehicular homicide and other charges after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop and crashing into the victim's vehicle.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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A 38-year-old man has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and other offenses after a crash in Savannah, Georgia that killed an elementary school teacher. The incident occurred when the man, Oscar Vasquez Lopez, allegedly fled a traffic stop initiated by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS/ICE), leading to a pursuit that ended in a collision with the victim's vehicle.
Why it matters
The tragic incident has raised questions about the protocols and oversight surrounding DHS/ICE operations and their potential impact on public safety, especially in residential areas. It also highlights the dangers that can arise when law enforcement pursuits occur in populated urban settings.
The details
According to police, Lopez was attempting to flee the DHS/ICE traffic stop when he crashed into a vehicle driven by Linda Davis, a teacher at Hesse K-8 school. Davis was transported to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries. Lopez reportedly had non-life-threatening injuries. In addition to the vehicular homicide charge, Lopez was also charged with reckless driving, driving without a valid license, and failure to obey a traffic control device.
- The incident occurred at approximately 8:41 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026.
- The Chatham County Police Department was not aware of the DHS/ICE operation or pursuit until after the crash.
The players
Oscar Vasquez Lopez
A 38-year-old man who was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and other offenses after allegedly fleeing a DHS/ICE traffic stop and crashing into the victim's vehicle.
Linda Davis
An elementary school teacher at Hesse K-8 school who was killed in the crash after Lopez allegedly crashed into her vehicle.
Chatham County Police Department (CCPD)
The local law enforcement agency that took Lopez into custody and charged him with the various offenses.
Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (DHS/ICE)
The federal agencies that initiated the traffic stop that led to the pursuit and subsequent crash.
What’s next
Authorities have indicated that the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case progresses through the legal system.
The takeaway
This tragic incident highlights the need for greater coordination and oversight of law enforcement operations, particularly when they involve multiple agencies and the potential for high-speed pursuits in populated areas. It also underscores the importance of prioritizing public safety and de-escalation tactics to avoid such devastating outcomes.
