Crime & Safety
Lake County, IN Officer Faces Reckless Homicide in Oct. 16 Crash
Hammond, IN – An off duty Hammond police officer has been charged with two felonies following a deadly three vehicle crash that killed a Gary man last week. The officer surrendered to authorities Thur
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-22T21:28:12.100Z
Hammond, IN – An off duty Hammond police officer has been charged with two felonies following a deadly three vehicle crash that killed a Gary man last week. The officer surrendered to authorities Thursday evening, Oct. 22, after investigators completed their initial crash investigation and an arrest warrant was issued.
According to Indiana State Police, 34 year old Alonso J. Lopez of Hammond faces charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, a Level 4 felony, and reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony.
The charges stem from a crash Friday, Oct. 16, at approximately 8:55 p.m. near Columbia Avenue and 165th Avenue in Hammond.
Investigators said Lopez was allegedly driving a black 2024 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Columbia Avenue at a high rate of speed when his vehicle crossed 165th Avenue and struck a silver 2021 Toyota Highlander.
The Toyota was attempting to enter Columbia Avenue from a nearby business parking lot.
The impact caused catastrophic damage to the Toyota's driver's side. The Chevrolet then rotated into the southbound lanes, where it was struck by a 2010 Ford SUV.
The Toyota's driver, identified as Thomas Hunt Jr. of Gary, died from his injuries.
Two other drivers were transported to a hospital with non life threatening injuries and later released.
Police said Lopez, who was off duty, voluntarily submitted to a blood draw following the crash. Investigators initially took him into custody before releasing him pending further investigation and blood analysis.
Indiana State Police said alcohol and excessive speed were believed to have contributed to the collision.
Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued Thursday afternoon.
Lopez surrendered at the Hammond Police Department that evening and was transported to the Lake County Jail for processing.
Authorities said additional charges could still be considered by the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.
The Indiana State Police extended condolences to Hunt's family.
All charges are allegations, and Lopez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.