CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) – According to the Chatham County Police Department, Monday morning’s fatal crash was the result of a chase between Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and a suspect.
CCPD said in a press release department officers responded to the crash around 7:45 a.m., which happened right outside one of its precincts. The crash killed Hesse K-8 teacher Linda Davis.
Preliminary information shows Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was conducting an operation in the area of the Truman Parkway, and attempted to pull a man identified as Oscar Vasquez Lopez over. Lopez didn’t pull over, and ICE agents began chasing him. Lopez then crashed into Davis.
Security footage from Hesse (below) shows a moment in that chase.
Footage shows red truck at the top of the screen fleeing from law enforcement
Davis was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. Lopez was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Lopez has been arrested by CCPD officers and charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, driving without valid license and failure to obey traffic control device.
Oscar Vasquez-Lopez has been arrested by CCPD officers and charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, driving without valid license and failure to obey traffic control device. (WTOC)
According to a DHS press release, Lopez is from Guatemala and entered the United State illegally at an unknown time. A federal judge signed off on a final order of removal for Lopez in 2024.
Chatham County Sheriff’s Office records show Lopez has no prior criminal history in the county.
County officials unaware of DHS operation prior to crash
CCPD says the department was unaware that DHS or ICE was conducting any operations in the area, and that no CCPD officers were part of the chase.
Chatham County Chairman Chester Ellis spoke to WTOC on Monday afternoon, saying if the County had been made aware, there likely would’ve been a way to arrest Lopez without endangering others and ultimately, killing Linda Davis.
“I’m saying to the President on down to all of our national leaders, there’s a better way to do this. And I think if you allow us to be at the table to draw out strategies and come up with ways of doing things, we can prevent this,” Ellis says.
Ellis also pointed out that local law enforcement agencies in Chatham County have restrictive chase policies, and would not have been able to take the action ICE did.
“We have a no chase policy, and the no-chase policy is to help protect our citizens more than it is anything else. So there may have been a different way to corner the individual so that he could not run, or that he could not cause the accident that took the life of Dr. Davis.”
CCPD Chief Jeff Hadley offered his condolences to Davis’ family, saying her death was likely preventable.
“Condolences to the Davis family, Savannah Chatham public schools, and anyone that’s affected by this. As the Chairman stated, this is really unfortunate and more than likely, preventable,” Hadley says.
According to Hadley, DHS has been cooperating with CCPD’s investigation of the crash.
School district responds to death of beloved Hesse K-8 School teacher
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools announced that a member of their staff died in the fatal car crash Monday morning. Hesse K-8 School teacher Linda Davis was killed in a car crash near the school Monday morning.
The school district said they will have counselors at the school this week to support students and staff members.
Hesse K-8 School said, “Dr. Linda Davis was a beloved member of our school family and her loss has affected us deeply.”
Dr. Linda Davis(Hesse K-8 School)
In a statement on social media, Hesse K-8 Principal Alonna McMullen said there is a plan in place for students, staff and families when responding to tragic event.
“Our teachers and counselors have been briefed on our plans and have received guidelines for discussing about death and reactions to it. There will be district counseling personnel available to students and staff who need special attention and support. We will try to maintain as normal a routine and structure as the situation allows, and we encourage you to do the same,” wrote Principial McMullen in a statement.
“If you feel that your child or family needs some assistance, please contact us, and we will do everything we can to help you. We are also providing the following resource that may support you in speaking with you child. ”
A former coworker of Davis, Aisha Buchanan, visited the crash site hours later, saying the educator made a major impact on her life and the lives of everyone around her.
“She always made you feel like you mattered,” Buchanan said.
“Whether they’re a custodian or a teacher, a principal, or even a student, you always matter. And that was her message to everybody.”
Initial reports of crash near Whitefield Avenue at the Truman Parkway
Whitefield Avenue at the Truman Parkway closed in both directions Monday morning due to a traffic collision, confirmed the Chatham County Police Department.
Chatham County EMS said they responded to a call at around 7:25 a.m., one patient was trapped and needed extrication. That person was taken to the hospital and was in critical condition said Chatham EMS. Hours later, Whitefield Avenue reopened.
WTOC crews captured footage of officers with the Department of Homeland Security on site of the crash. Multiple masked agents were seen, and at least one was an Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officer.
VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED
Warning: The following gallery contains intense images from a crash scene.
DHS responds
Reader’s Note: DHS’s statement reflects that the victim died on the scene. According to Chatham County EMS, the victim died at the hospital. DHS also noted that Vasquez Lopez is in the hospital. He has since been detained.
After months of sanctuary politicians encouraging and instructing illegal aliens to resist and evade federal law enforcement, a criminal illegal alien attempting to flee from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement struck and killed a motorist in Savannah, Georgia.
On February 16, ICE law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend Oscar Vasquez Lopez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala who was issued a final order of removal by a federal judge in 2024. He entered the U.S. illegally at an unknown date and location.
During the operation, officers observed Vasquez Lopez enter a vehicle and they attempted a traffic stop. Vasquez Lopez initially complied, but then fled the scene, making a reckless U-turn and running a red light, colliding into a civilian vehicle. The civilian driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Vasquez Lopez is in custody at the hospital with minor injuries and is being charged by the Chatham County Police Department with vehicular homicide.
“This vehicular homicide is an absolute tragedy and deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers and encouraging those here illegally to resist arrest—a felony,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These dangerous tactics are putting people’s lives at risk. Fleeing from and resisting federal law enforcement is not only a crime but extraordinarily dangerous and puts oneself, our officers, and innocent civilians at risk. Now, an innocent bystander has lost their life.”
This dangerous attempt to evade arrest comes after sanctuary politicians held webinars and provided resources and tips for how to openly defy ICE:
We are once again calling on sanctuary politicians, agitators, and the media to turn the temperature down and stop calling for violence and resistance against ICE law enforcement.
To report crimes or suspicious activity, call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit a tip online.
This is an utterly disgusting lie.
A Guatemalan criminal illegal alien fled from law enforcement and crashed into another vehicle, killing Linda Davis — an American citizen and beloved teacher at Hesse K-8.
This tragic loss of life at the hands of someone who shouldn’t be here… pic.twitter.com/l1MvyG8Faz
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) February 17, 2026
Georgia politicians respond
The Left has a Georgian’s blood on its hands, once again.
A beloved local teacher lost her life because an illegal immigrant facing deportation refused to cooperate with ICE.
We must throw the book at this individual.
This is what happens when politicians like Jon Ossoff…
— Buddy Carter (@RepBuddyCarter) February 16, 2026
Today, our district is grieving.
A beloved Savannah teacher, Dr. Linda Davis, lost her life in a tragic crash. She was an educator and a pillar in our community.
My prayers are with her family, her students, and everyone whose life she touched.
This is a moment for mourning. A family is shattered. A school is hurting. A community is in pain. We owe them space, dignity, and compassion.
At the same time, we must confront the circumstances that led to this tragedy. Federal immigration enforcement actions, including pursuits, can create dangerous conditions on our local roads. ICE and DHS are not trained for routine traffic stops, and operations that put innocent lives at risk demand serious review and accountability.
Turning someone’s death into a political football helps no one. It doesn’t heal families. It doesn’t make our streets safer. And it does not honor the life that was taken.
We can hold individuals accountable for crimes and still lead with compassion. We can have honest conversations about public safety and immigration policy without spreading fear or blaming entire communities. If we are serious about safety, then we must be serious about preventing tragedies like this from happening again.
Today we mourn. Tomorrow, we do the work to ensure our communities are protected.
I’m heartbroken by this appalling tragedy and send my deepest condolences to Dr. Linda Davis’ family and to Savannah-Chatham Public Schools. Dr. Davis was a beloved educator and I join the entire community in deep sorrow. I have spoken with City of Savannah and Chatham County leaders to convey my support for their efforts to strengthen public safety and improve communication with federal agencies.
An innocent American has lost their life because a criminal illegal alien attempted to evaded arrest.
Yesterday in Savannah, Georgia, ICE conducted a traffic stop to arrest Oscar Vasquez Lopez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala. He was issued a final order of removal by a… pic.twitter.com/lfnmxfsW53
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 17, 2026
Local leaders respond
Dr. Davis was an exceptional educator whose dedication to her students made a lasting impact at Hesse K8. She believed wholeheartedly in her students’ abilities and worked tirelessly to support their success.
She dedicated her career to ensuring that every child felt supported, valued, and capable of success. Her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm created a nurturing environment for her students and inspired those around her. She was a source of encouragement and positivity among her peers. Her contributions to the students and staff will not be forgotten.
Last night, I prayed with Dr. Linda Murray Davis’ sister and shared my deep condolences with her and her family. My heart breaks for Hesse K-8 School, the Savannah community, and all who knew and loved her. I will continue to stand alongside Linda’s family as they seek answers about how they have found themselves at the center of this tragedy.
This is a developing story, WTOC will update this article with more information as it becomes available.
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