PORTAGE, Ind. — Authorities have charged Broko Stankovic, an illegal immigrant, with felony reckless homicide following a deadly semi-truck collision that claimed the life of a 54-year-old driver on U.S. Highway 20 Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Portage Police Department, the crash occurred when traffic slowed near Douglas Drive as a Ram Sprinter van prepared to turn. Investigators say Stankovic, driving a semi-truck, failed to slow down and instead made a hard evasive left turn, crossing into oncoming traffic. His semi collided with a Subaru Crosstrek, killing the driver instantly.
The impact caused the truck to jackknife, striking the Ram Sprinter and pushing it into a road sign. Emergency crews pronounced the 54-year-old Subaru driver deceased at the scene.
Police say Stankovic was operating the truck without a valid commercial driver’s license. He allegedly used a suspended Illinois CDL belonging to a family member, and the company he worked for was not registered with the Department of Transportation.
Stankovic was arrested and charged with felony reckless homicide and felony criminal recklessness resulting in death. He remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities have also contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding Stankovic’s immigration status.
This tragic crash has reignited local debate about unlicensed commercial drivers and road safety enforcement across Indiana highways.
