ICE arrests driver involved in crash that killed 2 law enforcement officers in Montgomery County

GAITHERSBURG, Md. - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have arrested the driver that officials said fatally struck two law enforcement officers on Interstate 270 in Montgomery County last December.

Roberto Garza Palacios was taken into custody at his Maryland home Thursday and has been charged with violating the terms of his work visa. ICE officials said the 28-year-old Guatemalan native overstayed after his visa that expired in 2009.

ICE previously lodged a detainer with Montgomery County authorities in August 2015 after Garza Palacios was arrested on local charges. ICE said Garza Palacios was subsequently released from Montgomery County custody, but were not notified about it.

Earlier this week, Garza Palacios was cited for negligent driving for a Dec. 8 crash on southbound I-270 near Falls Road that killed 33-year-old Sander Cohen and 36-year-old Carlos Wolff. The charge against Garza Palacio carries a $280 fine and three points against his license.

Cohen was the deputy chief of the Maryland State Police Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office and Wolff was an FBI supervisory special agent.

Investigators said Palacios was driving his Honda Accord in the left lane and attempted to get over to the right lane but was blocked by traffic. Palacios then swerved to the left of the two vehicles and struck Wolff and Cohen, who were both thrown over the median, according to police. Before being hit, Wolff had been involved in a crash on southbound I-270 and Cohen stopped to help him on the side of the road.

Palacios remained at the scene and investigators determined alcohol, drugs and speed were not factors in the crash. Palacios met with state police in Rockville in April and was issued a citation for negligent driving.