A routine Tuesday afternoon on Highway 99 near Lodi turned tragic when a big rig collided with three other vehicles, leaving two people dead. Now, days after the crash, the case has taken an unexpected turn—one involving federal intervention and immigration status.
Manvir Singh, the driver of the big rig, was arrested at the scene after attempting to flee. He now faces serious charges including vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, hit-and-run resulting in death or injury, and resisting police. Singh is currently held in San Joaquin County Jail and was scheduled to appear in court Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
What makes this story more complicated is the involvement of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. On Thursday, DHS revealed that Singh is an undocumented resident from India who entered the country through Arizona in July 2023. The federal agency has formally requested that California officials not release him—a move that adds a layer of complexity to an already devastating local tragedy.
The crash itself occurred around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday on northbound Highway 99 near the Harney Lane off-ramp. Four vehicles were involved in the collision, though it remains unclear which vehicles the two fatalities came from. The CHP noted that while Singh attempted to flee the scene, officers were able to detain him before he could escape.
This incident underscores the intersection of public safety, criminal justice, and immigration enforcement in California. As the case moves forward, the community continues to grapple with the loss of life and the circumstances surrounding what appears to be a preventable tragedy on one of the region’s busiest corridors.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
