A Venezuelan illegal migrant who critically injured the brother of “Donut Boy” in a brutal hit-and-run is hiding in the Bronx after ignoring a deportation order, as law enforcement offers a $10,000 reward for his capture.
Key Takeaways
- Tony Gebian Lopez Infante, a Venezuelan migrant who entered the U.S. illegally in 2023, is wanted for a hit-and-run that critically injured Zack Carach on his 21st birthday.
- The National Police Defense Foundation has posted a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Lopez Infante, who is believed to be hiding in The Bronx.
- Lopez Infante was ordered deported in September 2024 but failed to comply, highlighting ongoing issues with immigration enforcement.
- The victim is the brother of Tyler Carach, nationally known as “Donut Boy” for delivering over 10,000 donuts to police departments across all 50 states.
- This case adds to a concerning pattern of crimes involving illegal migrants in New York City, including recent gang activity in Queens.
The Hit-and-Run and the Hunt for a Fugitive
Law enforcement officials are intensifying their search for Tony Gebian Lopez Infante, a 32-year-old Venezuelan national who entered the United States illegally on August 1, 2023. Lopez Infante is the prime suspect in a May 18 hit-and-run in Nashville that left Zack Carach critically injured while celebrating his 21st birthday. According to police reports, Carach was struck by a rented Mitsubishi Mirage driven by Lopez Infante, who fled the scene immediately after the collision.
The National Police Defense Foundation has taken the extraordinary step of offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Lopez Infante’s arrest. Intelligence suggests the fugitive is currently hiding in The Bronx, evading both local law enforcement and immigration authorities. The suspect was ordered deported in September 2024 but remained in the country illegally, demonstrating a pattern of disregard for U.S. immigration law that preceded the violent incident in Nashville.
“I felt it was important to post the $10,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect, to help bring justice to a law enforcement family,” said Joseph Occhipinti, Executive Director of the National Police Defense Foundation.
A Family With Strong Ties to Law Enforcement
The victim, Zack Carach, comes from a family with deep connections to law enforcement. His mother, Sheena Carach, has a background in law enforcement, making this case particularly significant for the police community. Zack’s younger brother, Tyler Carach, gained national recognition as “Donut Boy” for his mission to thank police officers across America by delivering donuts to departments in all 50 states, ultimately distributing over 10,000 donuts to officers nationwide.
The attack has devastated the Carach family, who were already pillars of support for the law enforcement community through Tyler’s goodwill initiative. The hit-and-run has transformed their lives, shifting their focus from community service to seeking justice and supporting Zack’s recovery from serious injuries. The impact of the crime extends beyond physical harm to emotional trauma for a family that has dedicated itself to supporting those who protect and serve.
“I can say in that moment, my heart left my body,” said Sheena Carach, describing her reaction to learning about her son’s injuries.
Immigration Concerns and Broader Implications
This case highlights significant concerns about illegal immigration and enforcement failures. Lopez Infante’s presence in the United States despite a deportation order exemplifies systematic problems with immigration enforcement. His ability to remain in the country after being ordered to leave raises questions about the effectiveness of deportation procedures and the monitoring of those subject to removal orders. Critics point to this case as evidence of dangerous gaps in the immigration system.
The situation in New York City reflects a broader pattern of criminal activity involving illegal migrants. Just days before the hunt for Lopez Infante intensified, federal authorities announced the dismantling of an illegal migrant gang in Queens known as the “18th Street Gang.” Eight members, at least seven of whom are in the country illegally, were indicted for violent crimes, including extortion, assault, and drug trafficking. The gang, which operated in the “Market of Sweethearts” area along Roosevelt Avenue, used violence to maintain control over the territory.
“These violent members and associates of the 18th Street gang allegedly relied on violence—including assault of innocent civilians and rival gang members—to exert and maintain control over a busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher Raia.
Law enforcement officials have expressed frustration with the challenges of apprehending individuals who enter the country illegally and then commit crimes. The Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged the policy failures that led to Lopez Infante’s continued presence in the United States. These enforcement gaps place additional burdens on local police departments already struggling with limited resources and rising crime rates in many major cities.
“The Biden Administration released this illegal alien into our country in 2023,” the Department of Homeland Security noted in a statement about the case.
A Call for Action and Justice
The search for Lopez Infante continues as authorities urge the public to come forward with any information about his whereabouts. The substantial reward offered by the National Police Defense Foundation reflects the seriousness with which law enforcement views this case and their determination to bring the suspect to justice. For the Carach family, the arrest of Lopez Infante would represent a crucial step toward closure after a devastating ordeal that has tested their resilience.
The case has galvanized support from police departments nationwide that benefited from Tyler Carach’s generous initiative. Many officers feel a personal connection to the family and are actively sharing information about the fugitive. The hunt for Lopez Infante has become not just a matter of criminal justice but a mission to support a family that has demonstrated unwavering support for law enforcement across America.
