HAMMOND — An off-duty Hammond police officer was taken into custody following a fatal three-vehicle crash Friday night that left one driver dead and two others injured. Indiana State Police investigators believe alcohol and excessive speed may have contributed to the collision.

According to Indiana State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 8:55 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, near Columbia Avenue and 165th Street in Hammond.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a black 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by off-duty Hammond Police Officer Alonso J. Lopez, 34, of Hammond, was traveling northbound on Columbia Avenue at a high rate of speed.

Investigators say the Silverado crossed 165th Avenue and struck a silver 2021 Toyota Highlander that was attempting to enter Columbia Avenue from a nearby business parking lot.

The force of the collision caused catastrophic damage to the driver’s side of the Toyota Highlander. The impact sent the Chevrolet Silverado rotating into the southbound lanes of Columbia Avenue, where it was subsequently struck by a gray 2010 Ford SUV. The Toyota Highlander continued off the roadway and crashed into a fence on the west side of Columbia Avenue.

The driver of the Toyota sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of family members by the Lake County Coroner’s Office.

Both Lopez and the driver of the Ford SUV were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Both were subsequently treated and released.

Indiana State Police confirmed that Lopez voluntarily submitted to a blood draw while at the hospital. Following the procedure, Lopez was taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail, where he was held on a 48-hour probable cause hold.

Lopez was later released from custody pending further investigation, including the completion of a crash reconstruction and the results of the blood analysis.

Investigators have identified alcohol and excessive speed as suspected contributing factors in the fatal collision. However, the blood analysis results have not yet been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Once the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit completes its investigation, the findings will be forwarded to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review and consideration of possible felony charges.

In a separate statement, the Hammond Police Department confirmed that Lopez was off duty when the crash occurred.

Hammond Police officials said the department requested that Indiana State Police assume responsibility for the investigation to ensure the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision are examined independently.

“At the direction of the Chief of Police, HPD requested that the Indiana State Police respond and assume full responsibility for an independent and impartial investigation,” the department stated.

Hammond Police also confirmed that Lopez has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

The department extended its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased driver, as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.

The Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision, including vehicle speeds, the sequence of impacts and potential impairment.

No formal criminal charges were announced in the information released by authorities. Any decision regarding felony charges will be made following review by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.

Additional information, including the identity of the deceased driver and the results of the toxicology analysis, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

Region News Source will continue following this investigation and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

All individuals suspected or accused of criminal activity are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.