U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed a Guatemalan arrested for the reckless murder of a Columbus, Ga. surgeon on Monday is an illegal alien.

Opelika Police officers arrested Armin Rubido Gomez Lopez 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. 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.

Nestor Yglesias, an ICE spokesperson, said in a statement to 1819 News on Tuesday, “Armin Rubidio Gomez Lopez, is an unlawfully present Guatemalan national that was encountered and arrested by U.S. Border Patrol Feb. 18, 2003, on that same date he was granted voluntary removal back to Mexico.” 

“Gomez Lopez then illegally entered a second time at an unknown location, without admission or parole. Sept. 30, officers with News Orleans Enforcement and Removal Operations encountered Gomez in the Lee County Jail after he was arrested for reckless murder. Subsequently, ERO issued an immigration detainer with the Lee County Jail,” he added.

Gomez Lopez also reportedly had a DUI conviction in 2022 in Lee County.

Allison Duke, a spokeswoman with the Opelika Police Department, said in a statement to 1819 News on Monday afternoon that Gomez Lopez is currently being held without bond.

"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,” Duke said.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.

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