In an unexpected twist, Indian-origin truck driver Jashanpreet Singh will no longer be charged with a (driving under influence) DUI, as per prosecutors.
According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office’s latest news release, “Toxicology reports confirmed none of the substances tested were present in the defendant’s blood at the time the test was rendered.”
Despite the dismissal of the DUI charges, authorities said that the case was still being viewed as a “grossly negligent homicide.” In the wake of the new findings, the complaint filed against Jashanpreet’s name was ultimately amended.
Charges against Indian truck driver Jashanpreet Singh amended
The updated filings against the 21-year-old suspect charged in connection with the fatal crash on an Ontario freeway states that he is now charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one count of reckless driving on a highway causing a specified injury.
CBS News further reported that officials have yet to determined if the Indian truck driver fell asleep behind the wheel, or a potential distraction or other factors prompted the negligence.
Ontario crash: Illegal immigrant identified as suspect
The prior Department of Homeland Security news release dated October 23 indicated that Singh was initially arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence. San Bernadino County tragedy claimed the lives of three people and injured several others. The crash the 10 Freeway involved the collision of four semi-trucks, two pick-up trucks and two cars.
In light of the discovery that Jashanpreet Singh had originally entered the United States illegally in 2022, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said at the time, “This accident follows a disturbing trend of illegal aliens driving 18 wheelers and semi-trucks on America’s roads. Earlier this week, DHS highlighted another fatal accident in Indiana caused by an illegal alien driving a semi-truck.”
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immediately lodged an immigration detainer for Singh, who is said to have been living in Yuba City unlawfully. In addition to releasing the dash camera footage, which captured the heart-rending crash, officials also suggested that the “illegal alien” was released into America under the Biden administration.
Just a few days ago, the Indian-origin Sikh driver appeared in a US court without his turban. Visuals of his legal outing instantly sparked a controversy, as fellow Sikhs demanded that his religious paraphernalia be returned as soon as possible.
A community even launched a Change.org petition titled “Demand justice for Jashanpreet and return his turban.” Much like the truck driver pleading not guilty to his October charges, the post raised the issue, “Jashanpreet Singh, a valued member of our community, has been wrongfully accused by media outlets of drug use, tarnishing his reputation, and leading to an unjust legal battle.”
The campaign further challenged the charges against him, arguing, “The media has played a significant role in this travesty. Sensationalist headlines have painted a false picture of Jashanpreet, yet no concrete evidence supporting his alleged drug use has been provide.”
Calling upon the judicial system, the petition added, “In this climate of misinformation and prejudice, Jashanpreet has also been stripped of his turban—a deeply significant symbol of his faith and identity. This act is not only an infringement on his personal beliefs but an assault on our entire community’s cultural and religious values.”