Oklahoma – Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said he is “very proud” of Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers for their swift response following a deadly wrong-way DUI crash on Interstate 40 that killed four young students near Czech Hall Road in Canadian County.
The governor made the remarks after authorities confirmed that the suspect, identified as Michael Rosario-Cruz, was arrested and booked into the Canadian County Jail on multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash occurred early Friday morning when Rosario-Cruz was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-40 near Czech Hall Road while intoxicated. His vehicle struck another car head-on, killing all four occupants inside.
Troopers said the victims were between the ages of 18 and 20. The individuals killed in the collision were identified as Kiercey Hickson, Quincy Jones, Haliegh Salazar, and Brad Palmer.
Authorities confirmed that Rosario-Cruz was released from the hospital and taken into custody by state troopers. He now faces multiple charges, including four counts of Second-Degree Murder, two counts of DUI Causing Great Bodily Injury, transporting an open container, possession of a firearm with altered identification during the commission of a felony, carrying firearms while under the influence, and wrong way on a one-way road.
In his public statement, Governor Stitt praised the rapid response of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol following the crash and the arrest.
“Very proud of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for their swift response in detaining the criminal illegal immigrant who tragically killed four Oklahoma students while driving drunk,” Stitt said.
State officials said troopers responded quickly to secure the scene, begin the investigation, and coordinate the arrest following the suspect’s release from the hospital.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol emphasized that the crash was caused by impaired and wrong-way driving, a combination they described as one of the most dangerous on Oklahoma highways. Officials said the collision resulted in devastating, immediate consequences for all four victims.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including evidence gathered at the scene and toxicology findings. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said it remains committed to the criminal justice process as the case moves forward.
Officials also reiterated the dangers of impaired driving, noting that decisions made in seconds can permanently change the lives of multiple families and communities.
The case remains under investigation in Canadian County as prosecutors review the multiple felony charges filed against Rosario-Cruz.
