The truck driver accused of causing a Florida Turnpike crash that killed three people from South Florida signed extradition papers Tuesday during his first court appearance in California.
Harjinder Singh, 28, appeared in San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton on a fugitive warrant stemming from three counts of vehicular homicide filed in St. Lucie County, Florida. Authorities say Singh attempted an illegal U-turn in his semi-truck on Aug. 12 near Fort Pierce, blocking northbound lanes and leaving a Chrysler minivan with no time to stop.
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The collision killed a 37-year-old Pompano Beach woman, a 54-year-old Miami man and a 30-year-old Florida City man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. They were traveling together in the minivan, which was crushed beneath the trailer.
Dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit Tuesday, Singh stood before Judge John Soldati and was assisted by an interpreter. He confirmed he understood his rights, and the judge appointed a public defender to represent him. Singh then signed extradition forms, which Soldati also signed, starting the process for Florida authorities to take custody.
The hearing unfolded under heavy security, with nine sheriff’s deputies stationed throughout the courtroom — some standing beside Singh and others seated in the gallery. Singh spoke little, primarily responding “yes” to the judge’s questions.
Soldati scheduled a review hearing for Aug. 27. Florida has 30 days to collect Singh under the warrant. If he is not transferred by then, he must return to Stockton court for further proceedings. Until then, he remains in custody without bail, also subject to a federal immigration detainer.
Dashcam footage from Singh’s truck captured the illegal U-turn and the impact, images that have since circulated widely online.
READ MORE: How did truck driver in fatal Turnpike crash get license if not legal resident?
Singh and his passenger, Harneet Singh, 25, flew to Sacramento on Aug. 13, the day after the crash, the U.S. Marshals Service said in a press release. An arrest warrant for Harjinder was issued on Friday. He was arrested in Stockton without incident on Saturday.
The case has drawn national attention, becoming a flashpoint in immigration and licensing debates. The Department of Homeland Security blasted California’s policy of issuing commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, calling it “asinine.” California officials countered that Singh obtained his license legally after receiving a federal work permit in 2021.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also has seized on the case, criticizing Singh’s demeanor after the crash as “really cold” and urging Congress to cut funding to sanctuary states.
The company the truck belonged to, White Hawk Carriers, is also facing pressure. As of Tuesday, it appears White Hawk is no longer able to do business outside of California, losing it insurance, federal records show. It also has a litany of inspection violations.
READ MORE:Trucking company in fatal Turnpike crash: unsafe trucks, unlicensed drivers, records show
If convicted in Florida, Singh faces up to 45 years in prison — 15 years for each vehicular homicide count.
Jennifer Perkins, Singh’s court-appointed public defender, declined to comment. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office could not be reached immediately for a statement.
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