An off-duty Hammond police officer has been charged in connection with a fatal crash in Hammond last Friday evening that killed Thomas Hunt Jr. of Gary, according to Indiana State Police.
Troopers with the State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit have completed their initial investigation. The charges submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor against Alonso J. Lopez are operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death, a Level 4 felony, and reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony. The charges are allegations, and Lopez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
A warrant was issued Thursday afternoon for Lopez, 34, of Hammond. State Police say he surrendered to troopers that evening at the Hammond Police Department and was taken to the Lake County Jail for processing.
State Police said these are initial charges and that additional charges may be submitted to the prosecutor once the crash reconstruction investigation is completed. The department also extended its condolences to the Hunt family.
