Human trafficking suspect accused of causing deadly crash while escaping Border Patrol, officials say

NOGALES, Ariz. (KOLD/Gray News) — A human trafficking suspect caused a deadly crash in Arizona while he was running from U.S. Border Patrol agents, according to officials.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the crash happened Thursday on Interstate 19 in Nogales.

DPS said Adolfo Hernandez Salazar was trying to escape from U.S. Border Patrol agents when he crashed into another vehicle head-on as he drove the wrong way on the interstate.

Two people in Salazar’s vehicle died while a third suffered serious injuries. The driver of the other vehicle also suffered serious injuries.

Salazar then tried to run away from the crash but was captured, DPS said. He was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening and was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail.

Salazar is facing multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

The victims have not yet been publicly identified. DPS said the investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released later.