WAYNE COUNTY — A man was arrested Wednesday after police found he made an illegal pass leading up to a crash that killed a motorcyclist last week, authorities allege.
Rafael Lopez, 27, of Richmond was driving without a license when he made the illegal maneuver and crashed head-on with Samuel Weller, 47, of Liberty, according to Indiana State Police.
Troopers responded about 4:45 p.m. May 10 to Pottership Road west of Creek Road for the crash. That's just outside Centerville.
An investigation found Lopez drove westbound past another vehicle in a no-passing zone and crashed head-on with Weller, who was going eastbound. The collision caused Weller to be thrown from his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lopez was transported to Reed Hospital in Richmond, where he was required to do a chemical test. It was later discovered he was driving without a valid license, according to police.
Lopez and the third driver were not injured in the crash.
Lopez is charged with reckless homicide and operating a motor vehicle without a license.
He was released Thursday on $2,500 bond, online court records show.
An initial court appearance has yet to be scheduled on his behalf.
-
Calm and sunny weather continues across Central Indiana
Calm and sunny weather continues across Central Indiana this week but the high heat has returned and will remain for the rest of the week
Pacers lose to Raptors in NBA Summer League
The Pacers lost to the Raptors, 94-93, in the NBA Summer League on Monday. The Pacers fall to 1-2 in Summer League action with the loss.
IndyCar drivers visit Washington, D.C. ahead of Freedom 250
The IndyCar Series will be racing in Nashville this weekend, but three of the biggest drivers took a pit stop at the nation's capital on Monday.
Mooresville's Hudson DeVaughan selected by the Royals in MLB Draft
Mooresville High School grad Hudson DeVaughan was selected in the 19th round (569th pick) in the 2026 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.
