A mother and former law enforcement officer, Sheena Carach, is demanding justice after her son, Zach Carach, was struck by a speeding car in a hit-and-run on his 21st birthday while visiting Nashville. The alleged driver, Tony Lopez-Infante, a 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela with a history of outstanding warrants, is still at large. Carach, who has been a police officer in the past, is now calling for an end to what she calls the dangerous open border policies that have allowed individuals like Lopez-Infante to enter the U.S. and access services like car rentals without proper identification or insurance.
The incident occurred on May 19, when Carach, her family, and her son were celebrating his birthday in Music City, Tennessee. After a brunch and a tour, the family returned to their hotel, and Zach was struck by a speeding car while attempting to cross a street. The driver sped away, leaving Carach and her family in shock. In a tearful interview, Carach described the moment as life-altering, stating that in that instant, she felt her heart leave her body and feared she had just lost her child. She said she ran to him, praying for his life, and was left with a sense of helplessness and fear for his safety.
Despite the traumatic experience, Carach has focused on holding the driver accountable, calling for an end to the policies that allowed Lopez-Infante to enter the U.S. illegally and rent a car without proper documentation. She has criticized the Biden administration for releasing illegal immigrants into the country, arguing that this case is a direct result of open border policies that prioritize the safety of illegal immigrants over American citizens. Carach has also pointed out that Lopez-Infante had multiple warrants, including one for a probation violation for a theft arrest, and was driving a car he had rented without a valid driver’s license, insurance, or a major credit card, all of which are required by rental agencies in the U.S.
Her words have sparked a political debate, with several local and national politicians weighing in on the issue. Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, has publicly criticized Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, a Democrat, for prioritizing illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens. Blackburn has stated that the mayor’s actions are a violation of his oath of office and that the case is a clear example of the dangers that come with open border policies. Other Republican lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, have also voiced their concerns, arguing that cities like Nashville should not be turning their back on the rule of law by protecting illegal immigrants who pose a threat to public safety.
Meanwhile, the search for Lopez-Infante has intensified, with federal agencies like Homeland Security Investigations assisting local law enforcement in their efforts. Carach, who has stated that the incident has been a nightmare for her family, is relieved that the suspect’s face has now been released to the public, allowing for more people to help in the search. Despite the ongoing manhunt, Carach remains determined, stating that justice must be served for her son and for all law-abiding citizens who are being put at risk by the policies that allow individuals like Lopez-Infante to remain unnoticed and unaccountable.