Tillamook County, Oregon – Authorities in Oregon believe a 34-year-old man, Alejandro Christopher Velazquez Lopez, has fled the United States following a fatal hit-and-run incident on Highway 18 that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old boy. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 12, 2025, near Grand Ronde, where three teenagers were struck while changing a tire on the shoulder of the road. An active warrant has been issued for Lopez's arrest.
Oregon State Police reported that Lopez, driving a white Honda Civic, allegedly veered off the eastbound lane of Highway 18 near milepost 14, colliding with a black Nissan Altima and the three 17-year-old males who were attending to a flat tire. Lopez reportedly did not stop after the collision. One of the teenagers succumbed to his injuries two days later, on July 14, 2025.
The investigation, which shut down Highway 18 for over 11 hours, involved the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, assisted by local law enforcement agencies including the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office and Lincoln City Police Department. The severity of the crash and the suspect's immediate flight prompted a widespread search.
The belief that Lopez has left the country introduces complexities regarding his apprehension. International extradition is a formal process governed by treaties between countries, requiring cooperation between the U.S. Department of Justice and foreign governments. While the U.S. has extradition treaties with over 120 countries, the process can be lengthy and challenging, dependent on the laws of the country where a suspect may be located.
Law enforcement officials are now navigating the legal and diplomatic channels required for international arrests. The case highlights the difficulties faced by authorities when individuals accused of serious crimes attempt to evade justice by crossing international borders. The active warrant underscores the ongoing commitment to bring Lopez to justice for the fatal incident.