A life was tragically extinguished on a Washington highway Thursday, the victim a 29-year-old man named Robert B. Pearson. The driver responsible, Kamalpreet Singh, now faces vehicular homicide charges, but the story behind his presence in the United States is rapidly unfolding into a complex and disturbing narrative.
Singh, identified as an Indian national who entered the country illegally, was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in Lukeville, Arizona, just weeks before the fatal crash – on December 23, 2023. Despite his illegal entry, he was released into the United States rather than held for deportation proceedings, according to sources within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The collision itself was devastating. Singh, operating a Freightliner semi-truck, slammed into the rear of a Mazda 3 sedan that had slowed behind another truck on State Route 167. The impact was catastrophic, compressing the Mazda between the two larger vehicles.
The Mazda’s engine compartment erupted in flames, though firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze. Sadly, Robert Pearson, the driver of the Mazda, could not be saved. Singh and the driver of the Peterbilt truck involved were unharmed, adding to the stark contrast of the tragedy.
Investigators have ruled out drugs and alcohol as contributing factors in the crash, focusing instead on the circumstances surrounding the collision itself. The investigation is ongoing, seeking to understand precisely what led to the fatal impact.
Immigration authorities have now lodged a detainer against Singh with the King County, Washington, Sheriff’s Office, signaling their intent to take him into custody should he be released from local charges. This case is drawing attention due to its parallels with other recent incidents.
Notably, Singh is reportedly unconnected to two other truck drivers, also of Indian descent and sharing the same surname – Jashanpreet Singh in California and Harjinder Singh in Florida – who are currently facing charges in separate, equally devastating, fatal crashes. The coincidences are raising serious questions and fueling public concern.
The loss of Robert Pearson has left a community reeling, and the details emerging about the driver responsible are adding layers of grief and outrage to an already heartbreaking situation. The case underscores the complexities and consequences surrounding border security and immigration enforcement.
