Hammond officer charged in fatal crash that killed Gary steelworker

Hammond Police Officer Alonso Jose Lopez faces two felony charges for killing a 73-year-old Gary man in a vehicle collision. The crash occurred on Oct. 16 near 165th Street and Columbia Avenue in Hammond. Investigators determined Lopez was operating a pickup truck at the time of the impact. He was off duty and reportedly on his way to work. Authorities state he was speeding and under the influence of alcohol before striking the SUV driven by Thomas Hunt Jr.

Lopez was charged with causing death when operating a vehicle while intoxicated and reckless homicide. These charges were filed nearly a week after the accident. Indiana State Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. Lopez has been placed on administrative leave by the department pending the outcome of the inquiry.

Thomas Hunt Jr. died three days before his scheduled 74th birthday on Oct. 19. His brother John Hunt described the victim as the eldest of 13 siblings. Hunt worked at the Gary Works steel mill for more than 50 years. He is remembered by relatives as the patriarch of a large family who prioritized supporting his siblings and descendants.

John Hunt said the family was troubled by the conduct of the officer involved. "It was an insult that you have an officer that would go to work, on his way to work, drunk, and his job, or even her job, is to ensure that we're safe," Hunt said. He noted that the officer's primary responsibility was to protect the public. "It's safety of the citizens, and for him to unequivocally not take that seriously is a problem," he added.

Family members emphasized the role Hunt played in the household. "He took being the oldest brother extremely important. He felt that was a priority," John Hunt said. Relatives noted that Hunt's ability to manage family needs was central to their history. "His ability to adapt and live and make things happen for the family was substantial. And, that legacy that he left, that will be lost," John Hunt said.

Relatives are planning a memorial service at Hunt's childhood home in Gary next weekend. The event will allow family and friends to gather and honor his life. Lopez is scheduled to appear in court on Friday morning to address the charges.

The crash took place in Hammond, a city adjacent to Gary. Hunt lived in Gary for most of his life. The steel mill where he worked employed thousands of workers in the region for decades. The collision occurred on a residential street near the intersection of 165th Street and Columbia Avenue.