- William Richard Sauer, 69, of Brooksville, Florida, was killed in the July 7 crash in Jonesborough.
- Deputies said Vasquez-Morales admitted consuming “six or seven beers” before driving.
- ICE said Vasquez-Morales told officers he entered the United States without authorization through Arizona about three years ago.
JONESBOROUGH, TN — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer against Alfonso Vasquez-Morales, who is charged with vehicular homicide in a July 7 crash that killed a 69-year-old Florida motorcyclist in Jonesborough.
According to ICE and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Vasquez-Morales crossed into oncoming traffic around 2 p.m. and struck a motorcycle head-on. The motorcyclist, William Richard Sauer, 69, of Brooksville, Florida, was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff’s office said witnesses reported seeing Vasquez-Morales weaving in and out of traffic before the collision. Authorities said he admitted to deputies at the scene that he had consumed “six or seven beers” before driving. In addition to vehicular homicide, Vasquez-Morales faces charges including reckless driving, possession of methamphetamine and driving without a license. Officials said additional charges could be filed. The charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
ICE said Vasquez-Morales told its officers that he entered the United States without authorization through Arizona and had been living in the country for approximately three years. The agency lodged an immigration detainer against him, which seeks his transfer to federal immigration custody following local proceedings. His immigration status and entry history are attributed to ICE and his reported statements to federal officers.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office participates in ICE’s 287(g) program under the Warrant Service Officer model. The program allows participating agencies to execute certain immigration warrants and facilitate transfers to ICE custody under federal supervision.
Anyone wishing to report suspected crimes or other activity to ICE can call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or use the agency’s online tip form.