On September 1, 2023, at approximately 6:15 A.M., Canton Officers responded to an accident with entrapment on Hickory Flat Highway at its intersection with I-575 Northbound on-ramp.

When officers arrived on the scene, they observed a Ford truck and a Jeep Wrangler near the intersection, both with extensive damage. Officers made contact with both drivers and all occupants to assess injuries. Two occupants from the Jeep Wrangler were entrapped and were extracted by Cherokee Fire and Emergency Services.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, Walter Gaspar, of Canton, Georgia, and the front passenger, Alejandro Ramirez both suffered serious injuries and were transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment. The rear passenger, Juan Lorenzo, suffered life-threatening injuries and was also transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment.

The driver of the Ford truck, Castro Xquin, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and three other occupants were treated and released on the scene. The rear middle passenger, Sebastion Mendez, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment.

The initial on-scene investigation revealed the Ford truck was traveling West on Hickory Flat Highway, while the Jeep Wrangler began attempting to turn left from the left turn lane onto the I-575 Northbound on ramp. It was determined through witness testimony that the driver of the Jeep Wrangler failed to yield while turning, causing the Ford truck to strike the passenger side of the Jeep Wrangler.

On September 2, 2023, Officers were notified by the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office that the rear passenger of the Jeep Wrangler, Juan Lorenzo succumbed to his injuries. Juan Lorenzo’s family has been notified.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler, Walter Gaspar was taken into custody and is being held at the Cherokee County Detention Center where he’s being charged with the following:

Failure to Obey Traffic Control Devices (O.C.G.A. 40-6-20) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

Driving Without a Valid License (O.C.G.A. 40-5-20) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

Homicide by Vehicle -2^nd Degree (O.C.G.A. 40-6-393) (One (1) count, Misdemeanor)

This accident is still under further investigation. If anyone has any information, please contact the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883.