Former Police Officer Sues After Son Injured in Hit-and-Run

A former police officer has filed a lawsuit following a hit-and-run incident involving his son, who was nearly killed on his 21st birthday. This tragic event took place while they were visiting Nashville from Florida to celebrate. The father, Sheena Carach, expressed his outrage, calling the actions of the driver inhumane and emphasizing that, regardless of one’s legal status, everyone should take responsibility after hitting someone.

On May 19th, during their trip, Carach’s son was struck by a speeding vehicle while attempting to cross the street. The driver fled the scene, leading to moments of panic as Carach feared for his child’s life. “At that moment, my mind left my body,” he recalled. The thought of losing his son was almost unbearable.

Nashville police later reported that the driver, identified as Tony Lopez Infante from Venezuela, had illegally entered the U.S. He was confirmed to have multiple outstanding warrants, including for probation violations related to theft. Lopez Infante returned the rented vehicle involved in the incident just hours after the accident.

On top of the severe emotional distress, Carach pointed out a significant issue: Lopez Infante was allowed to rent a car despite lacking a driver’s license and insurance. “If he hadn’t been able to rent a car illegally, my son would never have been hit,” Carach stated, highlighting the inconsistencies in rental policies that seemingly don’t apply to everyone.

Meanwhile, Carach’s son faces a challenging recovery ahead, needing a wheelchair for at least two months and hoping for no lasting damage. Adding to the family’s frustration, they noted that Lopez Infante showed no remorse, not even a simple apology for his actions. This lack of accountability compounded their pain.

Nashville’s local government has faced scrutiny as public officials, including Mayor Fredio Connell, have been criticized for prioritizing support for illegal immigrants over the safety of law-abiding citizens. U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty described this as a violation of the officials’ oaths of office and expressed concern about the broader implications for public safety.

As of now, law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security, are continuing their search for Lopez Infante. Carach articulated a sense of relief knowing that the driver’s identity has been made public, even as they grapple with the emotional aftermath of the incident. “It’s a continuous nightmare,” Carach added, expressing hope that justice would be served.