Home Blog Page 15

Truck Driver Ordered to Pay $271K After DUI Crash on WV Turnpike Spilled Hazardous Chemicals Into West Virginia Creek, Killing Fish

By
Kristina
-
0

FAYETTE COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA — A truck driver has been ordered to pay more than $271,000 in penalties and restitution after a 2022 DUI crash on the West Virginia Turnpike spilled hazardous chemicals into Paint Creek and caused environmental damage.

Dennis Eugene West, 58, was ordered on April 29, 2026, to pay $266,444.86 in restitution. That amount comes in addition to a previous $5,000 fine. West was also previously sentenced to three years of federal probation.

Driver Pleaded Guilty in Pollution Case

In October 2025, West pleaded guilty as an individual and on behalf of his trucking business, Gadsden, Gaillard and West LLC, to negligent discharge of pollutants into United States waters.

The crash happened on August 24, 2022, in Fayette County. West was driving a commercial vehicle loaded with totes containing alkyl dimethylamine in the northbound lanes of the West Virginia Turnpike, also identified as Interstate 64-77 and I-77, when he crashed on the Skitter Creek Bridge.

Shortly after the wreck, the West Virginia Department of Transportation said the driver lost control, jackknifed, and crossed the barrier wall.

Several totes broke open during the crash, spilling the chemical onto the bridge. The pollutants then entered Paint Creek, a tributary of the Kanawha River.

WVDOT

Spill Killed Fish and Shut Down Turnpike

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia said the chemical discharge continued until August 25, 2022, and caused adverse impacts on aquatic life, including the killing of several species of fish.

The crash also shut down that section of the West Virginia Turnpike for more than 12 hours.

As part of his guilty plea, West admitted he was operating the tractor-trailer under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Officials said his blood alcohol concentration was measured at more than 0.08% after the wreck.

West Virginia law prohibits commercial motor vehicle drivers from operating with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.

West also admitted he did not have a permit under the federal Clean Water Act to discharge pollutants, including alkyl dimethylamine, into Paint Creek or any other water in West Virginia.

Insurance Paid More Than $900K

Officials said an insurance company covering West previously paid more than $900,000 toward environmental containment, site cleanup, personal injury expenses, property damage, and other related costs.

Earlier case information stated that West and Gadsden, Gaillard and West LLC together faced restitution of up to $1,654,654. West had also faced up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $100,000 fine. His company faced up to five years of federal probation and a $200,000 fine.

Federal Prosecutor Praises Response

United States Attorney Moore Capito said West’s decision to haul a hazardous chemical while intoxicated put lives and the environment at risk.

“The defendant chose to transport a hazardous chemical while intoxicated, and that reckless decision didn’t just break the law — it put lives at risk and scarred this community’s environment,” Capito said.

Capito also praised investigators and emergency responders who handled the crash and spill.

“What followed, however, was a remarkable show of professionalism and resolve. I want to recognize the investigators from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, and the West Virginia State Police, whose work ensured accountability in this case,” Capito said.

He also recognized first responders who worked to secure the scene and limit the damage.

“Equally important are the first responders — men and women who ran toward danger, not away from it — who secured the scene, protected the public, and worked tirelessly, hour after hour, to contain the damage and begin restoring what was harmed,” Capito said. “Their swift, coordinated response turned what could have been far worse into a situation this community can recover from. Their commitment deserves not just our thanks, but our respect.”

The case was investigated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, and the West Virginia State Police.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

New Jersey Police Warn Truckers as Thieves Steal E-ZPass Devices From Parked Trucks, Leaving Drivers With Fraudulent Toll Charges

By
Kristina
-
0

NORTH BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY — Police in New Jersey are warning truck drivers and commercial vehicle operators about an increase in E-ZPass transponder thefts from parked trucks and work vehicles.

The North Brunswick Police Department issued the alert on April 29 after investigators reported an uptick in stolen toll devices from commercial vehicles, often during overnight hours.

Thieves Targeting Parked Trucks

Police said thieves are targeting unattended commercial vehicles and removing E-ZPass transponders from windshields or dashboards.

The stolen devices are then used to rack up fraudulent toll charges.

In many cases across the area, police said thieves are not just taking the transponders. They are replacing them with other stolen devices, meaning drivers and companies may not immediately realize their assigned transponder has been switched.

“Please routinely verify that the transponders in your vehicles are the correct ones and actually yours. You may be responsible for any tolls and fees racked up on your transponders, so please be aware,” NBPD said.

Police Urge Drivers to Take Precautions

Truckers and fleet operators are urged to remove E-ZPass devices when vehicles are not in use and store them out of sight in a glove box or secure compartment.

Police also recommend parking in well-lit, high-traffic areas whenever possible and considering vehicle security cameras or alarms.

Drivers and companies should regularly monitor E-ZPass accounts for unauthorized charges.

What to Do if a Transponder Is Stolen

If a transponder is stolen, police said victims should report the theft immediately, contact E-ZPass customer service to deactivate the device, and review their toll account to dispute unauthorized charges.

North Brunswick Police are also asking the public to report suspicious activity around parked commercial vehicles.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

Man Arrested for Leaving Vehicle in Middle of I-10 Weeks After Causing Fiery Overpass Crash That Killed Truck Driver

By
Kristina
-
0

MOBILE, ALABAMA — A truck driver who suffered severe burns when his 18-wheeler crashed off Interstate 10 and burst into flames has died from his injuries, and police have arrested a Mobile man accused of leaving an unattended vehicle in the roadway.

The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. on April 15 on westbound I-10 near Tennessee Street. Mobile police said officers arrived to find an 18-wheeler on fire and the driver suffering life-threatening injuries and severe burns.

Crash Started With Vehicle Left on I-10

Mobile police identified the truck driver as 26-year-old Aram Saakian.

Investigators said Saakian was driving an 18-wheel vehicle hauler when it struck a vehicle that had been left in the middle of the interstate. The rig then hit a concrete barrier, went over the bridge, plunged onto Tennessee Street below, and caught fire.

“The preliminary investigation shows the semi-truck, which was hauling vehicles, left the interstate after a collision with another vehicle,” a Mobile Police Department news release said.

Blake Brown, public affairs officer with Mobile’s Department of Public Safety, said investigators understood that the vehicle had been left in the roadway.

“Our understanding is that vehicle was left in the roadway. We’re not sure why it was left in the roadway at this point, but the truck driver did strike that vehicle ultimately, at this point leading to that crash,” Brown said.

Brown said the driver may not have seen the stopped vehicle before the impact.

“It’s a far drop. That truck driver, I’m assuming, did not see this car that was again stopped in the middle of the road, for whatever reason, in the middle of the interstate,” Brown said.

FOX10 News

Vehicle Hauler Went Over Bridge

Police said the semi-truck struck a concrete barrier before going over the bridge and landing on Tennessee Street.

During the crash, an SUV broke loose from the tractor-trailer and came to rest on its side on the interstate against a concrete barrier.

Saakian was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was initially listed in critical condition. Mobile police later said he died from his injuries on April 19.

Officers Used Drones During Search

After the crash, officers used drones to search for anyone connected to the vehicle that had been left on I-10, but they did not find anyone.

“They weren’t sure if somebody had just run from the vehicle and ran into the woods, or if it was someone who may have been hurt again. Went into the woods, maybe down the road looking for help,” Brown said.

At the time, police said they were running the vehicle’s registration to determine who owned it. Investigators did not believe anyone was inside the vehicle when the truck hit it.

Man Arrested in Connection With Crash

Police said 47-year-old Terrele Lutin of Mobile was arrested Thursday in connection with the crash.

Investigators said Lutin admitted he left a vehicle unattended in the middle of I-10 after it ran out of gas. Police said Lutin heard the crash but continued walking away from the scene without notifying law enforcement.

Jail records show Lutin is charged with attempting to elude, leaving the scene of an accident with a death, having no driver license, and second-degree burglary.

Bridge Damage and Traffic Delays Reported

The crash caused significant damage to the bridge, including damage to the concrete barrier, and repairs are now needed.

Crews with the Alabama Department of Transportation helped clear large debris from the crash site.

The wreck also created major traffic delays. Brown said the crash happened at 1:30 a.m., but crews were still on scene well past 8 a.m.

“It definitely tied up traffic this morning for a lot of drivers. Again, this happened at 130 this morning. We were still out there well past 8:00 this morning,” Brown said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

Family Asking for Help After Missing Florida Truck Driver Found Dead Along Georgia Coast Following Cargo Theft Case

By
Kristina
-
0

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA — The family of Cuban truck driver Alejandro Jacomino González is asking the community for help after the 41-year-old was found dead along the Georgia coast following his disappearance while hauling a load of luxury vehicles.

The FBI confirmed last Tuesday that a body found in a coastal area of Georgia had been identified as Jacomino González, who lived in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Federal authorities have not released the cause of death or the exact location where his body was discovered.

Wife Launches Fundraiser After Devastating News

Jacomino González’s wife, Isaura Santana, created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and support the family following what she described as an unexpected tragedy.

“We are living through one of the most painful experiences of our lives,” Santana wrote.

She described her husband as “a hardworking and dedicated man, always ready to help those around him.”

In her message, Santana said the family spent days waiting for answers before receiving the news that he had been found dead.

“For 12 days, he was the victim of a violent act, and after days of anguish, we received the most devastating news: his body was found lifeless,” she wrote.

“Alejandro was not only an exemplary worker but also a loving husband, father, and human being filled with love, dreams, and responsibilities. His passing has left an immense void in our family,” Santana added.

She also described the financial impact of the loss.

“Alejandro was the backbone of our household, and his absence has left us in a very difficult situation,” Santana wrote.

She asked for support so the family can “give him a dignified farewell and begin rebuilding our lives.”

The fundraiser has a goal of $28,000. As of the reports provided, $22,075 had been raised, with one report listing 182 donors and another listing 184 donations.

FBI Confirms Body Was Found

Jacomino González’s cousin, Juan Carlos Forcade, publicly announced the death Wednesday after the FBI contacted Santana on Tuesday to inform her that the body had been found.

The family said they still do not know the exact circumstances surrounding his death.

In a joint statement, the FBI divisions in Tampa and Atlanta confirmed that a body found along the Georgia coast was identified as missing truck driver Alejandro Jacomino González. The agency said both divisions are jointly handling the investigation.

No arrests have been announced.

Luxury Vehicle Load Went Missing

Jacomino González was last seen on April 17. The day before, he had picked up a shipment of luxury vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles, from the Port of Brunswick, Georgia.

The load was headed to Miami, and Jacomino González was working for Heartbeat Auto Transport.

At 1:21 a.m. on April 17, he stopped at a rest area on I-95 South in Grant-Valkaria, in Brevard County, Florida.

At 7:49 a.m., the truck’s GPS recorded unusual movement. According to the FBI, the vehicle moved one exit south and then abruptly turned north toward Jacksonville, away from its original route.

“Shortly after, González ceased responding, and the truck was reported missing,” the FBI said.

That same day, authorities found the truck abandoned in Port Wentworth, Georgia. Jacomino González was not with the truck, and several vehicles from the load were missing.

Three of the vehicles were later recovered in Florida. Others remain unaccounted for.

Cuban Trucker Community Raises Safety Concerns

The case has raised concern among Cuban truck drivers in South Florida and renewed discussion about safety at rest areas and truck parking locations.

Fernando Espinosa of America Auto Transport said he believes Jacomino González may have been followed because of the value of the cargo.

“It’s speculative, but I would say they were tracking him for the valuable cars he was carrying. They load cars there at the Brunswick port, at Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and I assure you they followed and waited for the right moment according to the thief, the murderer, to execute their crime,” Espinosa said.

Espinosa also criticized what he described as a lack of security in rest areas.

“You’ll find cameras near their sales places. In our places, you can look around and see there’s no camera, no security guard patrolling, no protection at all,” he said.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there is only one safe parking space for every 11 trucks on the nation’s roads. Reports also noted that 75% of cargo thefts occur in unsecured parking areas.

Similar Case Cited

The case has drawn comparisons to another Cuban truck driver, Alexis Sánchez Azcuy, 48, of Miami, who vanished on March 13, 2022, in Winkler County, Texas, while on a delivery route.

His truck was later found abandoned with blood traces. The person responsible in that case was sentenced on July 16, 2025, to life in prison plus 20 additional years.

Both cases involved a Cuban truck driver, a long-haul route, an abandoned truck, stolen cargo, and a missing driver. The pattern has raised concern about possible organized networks targeting high-value vehicle transporters.

Espinosa said more needs to be done to protect truck drivers moving freight across the country.

“The Department of Transportation has ample funds, enough money to invest in truckers’ safety, who are the ones moving the country’s industry. It’s the reality, the sad reality, and they haven’t done anything,” Espinosa said.

The investigation into Jacomino González’s death remains open, with the FBI divisions in Tampa and Atlanta leading the case.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

CHP Asking for Help Finding 3-Axle Semi-Truck Driver Without Trailer Who Fled After Fatal I-580 Crash in Livermore; Toyota Tundra Overturned, One Killed

By
Kristina
-
0
CHP Asking for Help Finding 3-Axle Semi-Truck Driver Without Trailer

LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA — The California Highway Patrol is asking for the public’s help identifying a semi-truck driver who drove away from a fatal three-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 580 near North Livermore Avenue Thursday morning.

The crash occurred at approximately 6:58 a.m. on April 30, 2026. Three vehicles were involved — a grey Nissan Armada, an unknown-color three-axle semi-truck without a trailer, and a grey Toyota Tundra. The Toyota Tundra overturned in the crash. One person was killed. After the collision, the semi-truck driver continued eastbound without stopping.

Four lanes of I-580 eastbound closed for approximately three hours while emergency personnel investigated the crash.

CHP Dublin Area is asking anyone with information about the crash or who can help identify the semi-truck to contact Officer Ryland or Officer Purl at the CHP Dublin Area office at (925) 828-0466. All media inquiries can be directed to Officer Tyler Hahn.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

USDOT and FMCSA Release One-Year Summary of Trump Trucking Executive Order — 20,000 Drivers Placed Out of Service for English Proficiency, 28,000 CDLs Revoked, 6,800 Training Providers Removed, $233 Million Withheld From Non-Compliant States, Speed Limiter Rule Killed, $300 Million in Parking Grants

By
Kristina
-
0
Photo credit: Fox News Channel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released a one-year summary on May 1, 2026, of actions taken since President Trump signed an executive order on April 28, 2025, directing increased enforcement of English language proficiency requirements, stronger CDL standards, and improvements to working conditions for truck drivers.

“The Trump Administration has hit major milestones in our efforts to rein in the trucking industry which has been allowed to operate like the Wild, Wild West for far too long,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “We’ve brought back common sense rules of the road including requiring English language proficiency and valid working documents for foreign drivers. When state leaders failed to keep Americans on the road safe, we stepped in and held them accountable and we’re just getting started.”

“I’ve spent my life looking out for the folks on our highways, and I’m telling you, these drivers are the heartbeat of this country,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs. “This administration is finally giving our truckers the support they’ve earned to get the job done and get home safe to their families.”

English Language Proficiency Enforcement

In May 2025, Secretary Duffy issued new guidance to enforce English Language Proficiency standards, rescinding an Obama-era policy that had relaxed enforcement. ELP was officially reincorporated in June 2025. FMCSA is implementing English-only testing for CDL applicants. FMCSA withheld $40 million from California in October 2025 for refusing to enforce ELP standards, after which California officially began enforcing ELP in January 2026. Since June 2025, more than 20,000 truck drivers have been placed out of service for failing to meet English proficiency requirements.

Cracking Down on Non-Domiciled CDLs

In June 2025, FMCSA launched a nationwide audit targeting states illegally issuing non-domiciled CDLs. The agency identified more than 30 states issuing non-compliant CDLs and sent official enforcement actions to 26 of them. FMCSA withheld $160 million from California in January 2026 and $73 million from New York in April 2026 for failing to revoke illegally issued licenses. FMCSA finalized a rule in February 2026 to stop unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining non-domiciled CDLs. More than 28,000 illegally issued licenses have been revoked nationwide. FMCSA mobilized more than 300 investigators across all 50 states in December 2025 to audit approximately 1,500 training providers. More than 6,800 unqualified training providers were removed from the FMCSA registry over the past year.

Supporting American Truck Drivers

FMCSA has invested more than $300 million in truck parking grants since April 2025. FMCSA and NHTSA withdrew the proposed speed limiter rulemaking for heavy vehicles, which the agencies determined created a safety hazard by forcing drivers to travel slower than surrounding traffic. FMCSA affirmed the Electronic Logging Device exemption for pre-2000 model year trucks and is proposing to eliminate more than 1,800 words of federal regulations, saving the industry millions annually.

Two new pilot programs are studying whether giving drivers more flexibility over their schedules improves safety and reduces fatigue. The Flexible Sleeper Berth program allows drivers to split their 10-hour off-duty period. The Split Duty Periods program allows drivers to pause their 14-hour on-duty clock for 30 minutes to three hours.

Additional actions include prohibiting motor carriers, shippers, receivers, and brokers from pressuring drivers to violate federal safety regulations, rolling out an upgraded DataQs process for correcting safety records, upgrading the NCCDB complaint system to a mobile-friendly platform with faster response times and new categories for noncompliant brokers and training providers, and launching a refreshed mobile-friendly driver resources webpage.

In March 2026, Secretary Duffy attended the Mid-America Trucking Show in Kentucky alongside more than 53,000 truckers from all 50 states.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

Illinois Truck Driver Faces Grand Theft Charge After Evading $21,991 in Ohio Turnpike Tolls Over Two Years — Faces 18 Months in Prison, Semi-Truck Could Be Seized if Convicted

By
Kristina
-
0

BRYAN, OHIO — An Illinois truck driver has been indicted on a grand theft charge after allegedly evading nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike tolls over a two-year period, with his Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck potentially subject to criminal forfeiture if he is convicted.

A Williams County grand jury indicted Moath Musamih, 39, of Orland Park, Illinois, on April 21, 2026, following an investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in partnership with the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission. Authorities allege Musamih used the Ohio Turnpike while evading tolls from April 2024 through April 2026, depriving the commission of $21,991. His initial court appearance in Williams County Court of Common Pleas is scheduled for May 11 at 2 p.m.

If convicted on the grand theft charge, Musamih faces a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. The Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck used in connection with the alleged theft could also be subject to criminal forfeiture through the Williams County Prosecutor’s Office.

The indictment is part of a broader Ohio Turnpike enforcement push in recent weeks. On April 15, OTIC announced a partnership with OSHP to increase patrols targeting commercial vehicles with obscured license plates. On April 20, OTIC called out more than 300 trucking companies that collectively owe nearly $5.2 million in unpaid tolls since April 2024.

“OSHP, OTIC and our partners will continue to work together to improve overall safety along the 241-mile Ohio Turnpike, which traverses through 13 counties across northern Ohio and to address toll evasion or related offenses, including the use of fictitious license plates and plates that are obscured, covered or removed,” officials said.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

Mexican Truck Driver Arrested and Visa Revoked After Border Patrol Catches Him Hauling Produce From Arizona to Washington in Violation of Cabotage Laws 

By
Kristina
-
0

PALO VERDE, CALIFORNIA — A Mexican national truck driver was arrested and had his B1/B2 visa revoked after Border Patrol agents at the Highway 78 checkpoint near Palo Verde, California discovered he was illegally transporting a commercial load of produce from Yuma, Arizona to Grandview, Washington — a violation of U.S. cabotage laws.

The arrest occurred on March 12, 2026, when Blythe, Arizona Border Patrol agents stopped the driver at the checkpoint. Agents determined he was engaged in cabotage by hauling freight between two domestic U.S. points, which violated the conditions of his B1/B2 visa. His visa was revoked and he was processed for deportation.

Cabotage laws reserve domestic transportation of goods and passengers between U.S. points exclusively for U.S. companies and workers. “Cabotage laws regulate the transportation of goods or passengers between two points within the United States by foreign carriers or drivers. These laws are designed to ensure that domestic transportation services are reserved for U.S. companies and workers, preventing unfair competition from foreign entities,” U.S. Border Patrol said. “By enforcing these laws, Border Patrol agents help preserve opportunities for U.S. truck drivers and transportation companies, ensuring that American workers remain competitive in the marketplace.”

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

21-Year-Old Fresno Mechanic Crushed to Death Between Semi-Truck and Trailer During Hookup at Repair Yard — Cal/OSHA Investigating

By
Kristina
-
0

FRESNO, CALIFORNIA — A 21-year-old mechanic died Wednesday afternoon after being crushed between a semi-truck and a trailer at a trucking repair yard in Fresno County.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office received a call shortly after 4 p.m. reporting an injured person at a facility near the intersection of Belmont and Lafayette avenues. Deputies arrived to find the man suffering from major injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has been identified as Gurpreet Singh, 21, of Fresno. Investigators determined Singh was working as a mechanic when he became pinned between a semi-truck and a trailer that was in the process of being hooked up.

Because the incident occurred on private property, it is being classified as an industrial accident. Cal/OSHA is handling the investigation.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123

Semi Driver Who Killed Indiana Corporal Posts $25,000 Bond, Surrenders License, Trial Set for September — Driving Record Shows Eight Speeding Tickets, Six Suspensions, and Prior Move Over Violation Before Being Hired, Raising Questions About How He Got a CDL

By
Kristina
-
0

DELAWARE COUNTY, INDIANA — The semi-truck driver charged in the death of Delaware County Sheriff’s Corporal Blake Reynolds posted a $25,000 bond Thursday and was released from jail under strict court conditions, including surrendering his driver’s license and a prohibition on leaving Indiana. A jury trial is scheduled for September 22, 2026.

The court ordered Teddy Johnson, 39, to surrender his driver’s license to the court or Indiana State Police, remain in Indiana, and report weekly by phone to a pretrial probation officer. Prosecutors specifically requested the license surrender to prevent Johnson from operating commercial motor vehicles while the case is pending. A pretrial conference is set for June 11.

Johnson faces four charges: reckless homicide and involuntary manslaughter, both Level 5 felonies; failure to change lanes for an authorized emergency vehicle, a Level 6 felony; and reckless operation of a tractor-trailer combination, a Class B misdemeanor.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Corporal Blake Reynolds

What the Evidence Shows

Court documents and a forensic examination of Johnson’s phones reveal a troubling picture of the moments leading up to the November 12, 2025 crash on northbound I-69 near Gaston. Johnson had been awake for more than 21 hours. Video from inside his truck shows extended periods of his eyes being closed, his head nodding, and physical signs of struggling to stay awake. He was also using a handheld device in the moments before the crash. “There are occasions depicted in the video where he held the device in his hand and tapped and scrolled on the screen. These actions took Johnson’s attention away from the road in front of him and to whatever he was viewing on the screen of his handheld device,” charging documents state.

Johnson was traveling at 61 mph. The emergency lights on Reynolds’ patrol vehicle were clearly visible ahead. The left lane was completely open. Johnson did not attempt to change lanes until one second or less before impact, at which point he steered abruptly to the left but still struck Reynolds’ cruiser.

A Driving Record That Should Have Raised Flags

Public records from multiple states show Johnson’s driving history from 2004 to present includes eight speeding tickets — some for excessive speeds — six license suspensions including for failure to appear for a driver safety program and failure to appear on a speeding infraction, three violations for driving without a license, and two unsafe lane movement violations. In October 2024, just months before the fatal crash, he was convicted in North Carolina for violating that state’s move over law — the same type of violation that contributed to Reynolds’ death.

Despite this record, Johnson obtained a Michigan CDL in 2022 and transferred it to Indiana in December 2024 — less than two months before he was hired by Parrish Dedicated Services in January 2025. Records show Johnson’s prior violations did not occur in a commercial motor vehicle.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles said in a statement that it reviews driver records for all CDL applicants using the State Pointer Exchange Service to verify previous licenses and check for suspensions or disqualifications in other states. “The status is checked at time of issuance,” BMV spokesperson Greg Dunn said.

Experts say it is largely up to trucking companies — not states — to thoroughly vet a driver’s history before hiring them.

Co-owner of Parrish Dedicated Services, Donny Parrish, confirmed Johnson had only been with the company since January 2025. “My heart continues to ache for the family, and I have prayed for them every day since the tragic accident. We are continuing to cooperate with the State Police in the ongoing investigation, and I am unable to comment further at this time,” Parrish said in a statement.

The Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Reynolds’ widow, Allison Reynolds, filed a wrongful death lawsuit on January 30 in Delaware Circuit Court against Parrish Dedicated Services, Parrish Leasing Inc., and Johnson, as well as A&G Deliveries LLC and its driver, Gregory Holmes. The lawsuit alleges Holmes lost control of his tractor-trailer and came to rest in the northbound lane of I-69, creating a hazard. It further alleges Holmes failed to remove his trailer from the lane, failed to call 911 or warn other motorists via CB radio, and failed to deploy emergency reflectors or flares. Johnson is accused of operating at an unreasonable speed, driving while fatigued, inattentive and distracted, and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Reynolds’ Parents Push for Legislative Change

Reynolds’ parents, Bruce and Melissa, said the arrest and charges are a step toward justice but are now pushing for changes to Indiana and federal law to improve the CDL vetting process. Their son, they say, did everything right that night. He parked appropriately on the shoulder, activated his emergency lights, and was doing his job. Johnson should never have been behind the wheel of a commercial truck, they said.

“He had a horrible driving record. So why is he behind that vehicle?” Bruce Reynolds said. “That man shouldn’t have been behind the wheel of a truck at all. My son did everything he was supposed to do. He parked appropriately on the side of the road to protect the other drivers. He had his lights on. He did everything right.”

Melissa Reynolds said she fears Blake will be forgotten. She hopes legislation bearing his name will keep his memory alive and prevent future tragedies. “Years from now when we’re gone, I still want his name to be remembered. I still want people to say his name,” Melissa said.

The Reynolds family expressed gratitude for the investigation. “We look forward to justice prevailing and being served for the careless and senseless death of our son. While we know nothing will ever bring Blake back or lessen the pain of losing him, we hope this process helps prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreaking loss,” the family said in a statement.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Interviews with the Reynolds family courtesy of local media.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.

Test 123
1...141516...47Page 15 of 47