Law enforcement officials in Nashville are currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating Tony Lopez-Infante, a 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela. He is a suspect in a serious hit-and-run incident that occurred on May 18, which left 21-year-old Zach Carach from Florida critically injured. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that Lopez-Infante entered the United States in August 2023 and is currently in the country illegally, with an outstanding order for deportation.
The Nashville police department has issued warrants for Lopez-Infante following the incident, which took place while Zach Carach was celebrating his 21st birthday. Upon investigation, police discovered that the vehicle involved— a Mitsubishi Mirage—was returned to a rental facility in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, just a day after the accident. The police worked rapidly to identify Lopez-Infante as the driver who fled the scene and have been engaged in ongoing efforts to locate him, which have so far proven unsuccessful.
Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican from Tennessee, has been vocal about the need for justice in this case. He shared that disturbing video footage of the crash may have been obtained by his office and has expressed concern over Lopez-Infante’s status as an illegal immigrant with multiple outstanding warrants. The specifics of his past offenses and the conditions under which he entered the U.S. have raised questions among the community, prompting a call for accountability and justice for the victim.
Zach Carach’s family is understandably distraught over the situation. His mother, Sheena Carach, has reached out to the public for help in locating Lopez-Infante, expressing her overwhelming frustration and pain. According to her account, her son remains hospitalized and will be wheelchair-bound for at least two months due to his injuries. She emphasized the need for answers regarding how Lopez-Infante was allowed to remain in the U.S. despite having multiple legal issues.
In addition to the hit-and-run charges, Lopez-Infante is also wanted for a probation violation related to a theft case in Williamson County. The police have categorized his actions not only as reckless but also as attempts to evade the law by tampering with evidence and failing to provide assistance after the accident. The multifaceted nature of this case involves both criminal and immigration law across state lines, highlighting the complex issues surrounding illegal immigration in America.
As the search for Lopez-Infante continues, community members and law enforcement officials remain on high alert. Anyone with information pertaining to his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. The tragic situation serves as a stark reminder of the potential ramifications of illegal immigration, particularly concerning public safety, and has reignited discussions about the implications of current immigration policies.