Judge does not set bond for man accused of killing Savannah teacher in ICE chase crash

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The man accused of crashing into a Savannah teacher and killing her while running from ICE agents had his first court appearance Tuesday.

Recorder’s Court Judge Crystal Harmon did not set bond for Oscar Vasquez-Lopez, who is charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving. He will remain in jail.

WTOC was the only news outlet in the courtroom as Vasquez-Lopez appeared virtually from the Chatham County jail. Jailers said he was being held for detox in the jail “due to his behavior.”

He wore a green jumpsuit and had his arms crossed during the hearing. The judge told him to uncross his arms.

State opposes bond

The state opposed bond, saying Vasquez-Lopez was seen by a nearby Chatham County Police officer and other witnesses running a red light and crashing into Davis while being chased by unmarked ICE cars with flashing lights.

Vasquez-Lopez’s public defender said ICE was conducting “paramilitary operations” in the area and the “potentially illegal pursuit” goes against most regulations. The defense asked for bond on that basis.

Judge Harmon did not set bond, but the issue will be considered at a preliminary hearing. Recorder’s court judges cannot set bond in felony cases — that authority belongs to Superior Court judges.

During the hearing, it was noted Vasquez-Lopez is under an ICE hold.