Authorities in Oklahoma City are investigating a tragic wrong-way collision on Interstate 40 that killed four young adults early Friday morning, May 22, 2026.
The victims, Kiercy Hickson, Brad Palmer, Haleigh Salazar, and Quincy Jones, were traveling eastbound when a wrong-way driver collided head-on with their vehicle. All four occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect Identified: Michael Rosario-Cruz
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) identified the wrong-way driver as Michael Rosario-Cruz. Investigators stated that Rosario-Cruz was likely impaired at the time of the crash.
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton confirmed that Rosario-Cruz is not a U.S. citizen and had been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status in 2015.
Following the crash, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed a detainer on Rosario-Cruz.
Details of the Collision
The crash occurred near I-40 and Czech Hall Road in Oklahoma City. According to OHP reports, Rosario-Cruz was driving in the wrong direction when he collided head-on with the victims’ vehicle.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin released a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledging the gravity of the incident. He emphasized cooperation between federal and local authorities to address both the criminal and immigration aspects of the case.
Official Statements
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin:
“Four young Americans had their lives taken in Oklahoma by a criminal illegal alien who recklessly drove drunk. The illegal alien struck the victims’ vehicle head-on, causing the car to catch fire. He now faces criminal charges for murder, driving under the influence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. These young men and women had their whole lives ahead of them. This tragedy was completely preventable. This illegal alien should have never been in our country. Join me in praying for the families, friends, and loved ones of these victims.
Summary Table: I-40 Wrong-Way Crash
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | May 22, 2026 |
| Location | I-40 and Czech Hall Road, Oklahoma City, OK |
| Victims | Kiercy Hickson, Brad Palmer, Haleigh Salazar, Quincy Jones |
| Suspect | Michael Rosario-Cruz |
| Suspect Status | Likely impaired, DACA recipient, not a U.S. citizen |
| Charges | 4 counts second-degree murder, 2 counts DUI causing great bodily injury, transporting open container, possession of firearm with altered ID during felony, carrying firearms under influence, wrong-way driving |
| Law Enforcement Agencies | OHP, Oklahoma City Police Department, DHS, ICE |
| Detainer | ICE detainer issued due to immigration status |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
Rozario-Cruz is charged with four counts of second-degree murder, two counts of DUI causing great bodily injury, transporting an open container, possession of a firearm with an altered identification during the commission of a felony, carrying firearms while under the influence, and wrong way on a one-way road.
