Opelika Police officers arrested Armin Rubido Gomez Lopez of Auburn on Monday after he was discharged from Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Ga.
Gomez Lopez is charged with reckless murder in connection to the September 7 fatal traffic crash on I-85 at the exit 62 northbound ramp.
Based on a preliminary investigation by the Opelika Police Department, the Toyota 4Runner driven by Gomez Lopez was traveling south on the northbound exit ramp when it struck a Tesla head-on.
The driver of the Tesla, Dr. Malcom Goodchild from Fortson, Ga, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The passenger in the Tesla was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and was released.
Gomez Lopez is currently being held at the Lee County Detention Center on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.
Allison Duke, a spokeswoman with the Opelika Police Department, said in a statement to 1819 News on Monday afternoon, "Following Armin Rubido Gomez Lopez's Aniah's Law hearing, he received no bond for the Reckless Murder charge."
"Evidence presented at the hearing indicated Gomez Lopez may have been impaired at the time of the crash. Detectives are awaiting to confirm this through toxicology reports. The Opelika Police Department has also confirmed that Gomez Lopez has a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement," Duke said.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
