10/20/2026
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: The driver accused of causing a deadly crash Fri. night in Hammond, identified as Alonzo Lopez, 34, a Hammond police officer who was off-duty at the time, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death and reckless homicide.
I will share his booking photo in the comments when I receive it.
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Today would have been Thomas Hunt, Jr.’s 74th birthday. He was killed in a crash Fri. night involving an off-duty Hammond police officer. Investigators allege the 34-year-old man was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crossed through the intersection at Columbia and 165th and slammed into Hunt’s SUV as he was trying to turn out of a parking lot. The impact caused catastrophic damage to Hunt’s vehicle and sent the off-duty officer’s truck into the southbound lanes, where police say he collided with another driver.
Hunt is being remembered as a loving father and grandfather, who worked hard his entire life, and always went out of his way to help others. Understandably, his family is devastated and asking for privacy as they grieve his loss. They shared some photos of him with me earlier tonight.
The off-duty officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, according to Hammond police. Indiana State Police (handling the investigation) say he was taken into custody, held in Lake County on a 48-hour probable cause hold, and released pending the results of further investigation, including a blood draw to which he voluntarily submitted. This is fairly procedural, especially since toxicology results usually play a major factor in charging decisions.
Once this is complete, ISP will present the case to prosecutors for review and consideration for felony charges.
Link to story: https://wgntv.com/northwest-indiana/off-duty-hammond-officer-taken-into-custody-after-deadly-crash-alcohol-believed-to-be-involved/
