Off-duty Hammond officer involved in fatal 3-vehicle crash

HAMMOND, Ind. — An investigation is underway after an off-duty Hammond police officer crashed into two other vehicles on Friday, Oct. 16, killing one and injuring two others.

Indiana State Police said alcohol may have played a role in the crash.

On Monday, ISP said preliminary investigation indicates that at 8:55 p.m., a black 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 34-year-old Alonso Lopez, was speeding northbound on Columbia Avenue and crossed 165th Avenue, crashing into a Toyota Highlander, causing “catastrophic damage” to the driver’s side.

The driver of the Highlander died at the scene.

Police said the Highlander was trying to enter Columbia Avenue from a nearby parking lot and ended up crashing into a fence. The officer then entered the southbound lanes, where he hit a Ford SUV.

Lopez and the driver of the Ford were taken to the hospital for treatment and were later released, police said. Lopez voluntarily submitted to a blood draw.

He was taken to the Lake County Jail and held on a 48‑hour probable cause hold. Lopez was later released pending further investigation by the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit and the results of the blood analysis.

Upon completion, the case will be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review and consideration of felony charges.

Identification of the driver will be released by the Lake County Coroner pending notification of the family.