A Tennessee man allegedly drove the wrong way down Interstate 40 in Canadian County, Oklahoma, early on May 22, causing a deadly crash that claimed the lives of four young passengers, including three recent high school graduates.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) reported that Michael Rosario-Cruz collided head-on with the vehicle carrying the victims near Czech Hall Road, immediately setting the car ablaze. All four passengers—Kiercy Hickson, 20; Quincy Jones, 19; Haliegh Salazar, 18; and Brad Palmer, 18—were pronounced dead at the scene. Rosario-Cruz was hospitalized in critical condition.
Charges and Allegations Against the Suspect
Rosario-Cruz faces multiple serious charges, including four counts of second-degree murder, two counts of DUI causing bodily injury, and driving the wrong way on a one-way road. Troopers found open alcohol containers and a firearm inside his truck.
Authorities are awaiting the results of a blood test to determine his blood-alcohol concentration at the time of the crash. Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton characterized the crash as intentional rather than accidental, stating, “This isn’t an accident.
This is the murder of four young kids, three of them that just graduated the week before from high school… The defendant made the intentional decision to drink at a local bar, then get on the interstate impaired.”
Suspect Background and Legal Status
Rosario-Cruz resides in Memphis, Tennessee, and was in Oklahoma for work. He reportedly entered the U.S. illegally in 2015 but remained under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and held a work permit.
After being released from the hospital, he was taken into custody at the Canadian County Jail, where he remains without bond. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has placed a detainer on him to prevent release during criminal proceedings.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin commented, “These young men and women had their whole lives ahead of them. This tragedy was completely preventable.” Rosario-Cruz’s next court date has not yet been scheduled.
Impact and Response
The crash has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the dangers of impaired driving and wrong-way incidents on highways. Local and state authorities, including the OHP and Canadian County law enforcement, are conducting a full investigation. The incident underscores the importance of road safety and the severe consequences of reckless and impaired driving.
Summary Table of Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | May 22, 2026 |
| Location | Interstate 40, Canadian County, Oklahoma |
| Suspect | Michael Rosario-Cruz, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Victims | Kiercy Hickson (20), Quincy Jones (19), Haliegh Salazar (18), Brad Palmer (18) |
| Incident | Wrong-way DUI crash; head-on collision |
| Charges | Four counts second-degree murder, two counts DUI causing bodily injury, driving wrong way |
| Evidence | Open alcohol containers and firearm found in truck; BAC pending |
| Custody Status | Held at Canadian County Jail without bond; DHS detainer issued |
| Background | Entered U.S. illegally in 2015; DACA recipient with work permit |
| Officials’ Comments | Oklahoma Commissioner of Public Safety and DHS Secretary condemned actions as preventable and intentional |
