Judge Denies Bond for Indian Trucker Accused in Fatal Florida Crash
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL – A judge has denied bond for Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old truck driver from India, following a crash on Florida’s Turnpike that resulted in three fatalities on August 12.
According to reports, St. Lucie County Judge Lauren Sweet ruled on Saturday that Singh presents a substantial flight risk. Sweet set no bond on each of the six charges against him, which include three counts of vehicular homicide and are classified as forcible felonies under state law. “There are no conditions of release that will ensure your appearance at trial,” Sweet stated.
Singh was extradited from California on Thursday and is currently in custody of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. The crash occurred when Singh allegedly attempted an illegal U-turn through an “Official Use Only” access point, blocking all lanes of the highway and causing the fatal incident.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles noted the tragic outcome of Singh’s actions, leading to significant loss for the victims’ families. The agency’s executive director, Dave Kerner, emphasized that Singh will face state vehicular homicide charges, followed by deportation upon resolution of these matters.
The Florida Highway Patrol is actively investigating the incident and remains focused on ensuring public safety through enforcement of state and federal law.