LINCOLN COUNTY, NEBRASKA — A New York-based truck driver has been arrested on a motor vehicle homicide charge after investigators said he merged slowly from the shoulder onto Interstate 80 and was struck from behind by another semi-truck, killing the other driver.
The Nebraska State Patrol announced the arrest on Aug. 24, 2026, as the investigation continues into a fatal crash that happened earlier this month in Lincoln County.
Crash Happened on I-80 Near Mile Marker 198
Troopers said the crash happened on Saturday, Aug. 15, on I-80 near mile marker 198.
The crash involved a semi-truck with a flatbed trailer and another semi-truck with a trailer.
According to the preliminary investigation, the semi with the flatbed trailer had been parked on the shoulder of I-80.
NSP said the flatbed then merged onto I-80 and was traveling below the minimum speed limit when it was struck from behind by the second semi.
Florida Truck Driver Killed
The driver of the second semi was identified as 40-year-old Jose Espinosa Salazar of Florida.
Troopers said Salazar was pronounced dead at the scene.
No additional details about the impact, road conditions, or possible contributing factors were immediately released.
First Driver Arrested
After further investigation, troopers arrested 46-year-old Aleks Latsabidze of New York, who was identified as the driver of the first semi.
Latsabidze was booked into the Lincoln County Jail on a charge of motor vehicle homicide.
The Nebraska State Patrol said the investigation remains ongoing.
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