Grand jury indicts driver in Lindenwald crash that killed family of 3

He was arrested at 6:30 a.m. Thursday by Fairfield Twp. Police Department and booked into the Butler County Jail at 6:55 a.m., according to the jail’s online database.

The crash was reported at 4:31 p.m. Dec. 21 after Begley, driving a 2008 Pontiac Torrent south on River Road, crossed left of center to pass three vehicles, according to a police report.

As he moved back into the southbound lanes, the SUV hit a curb, causing him to overcorrect and veer left of center again. The Torrent then collided head‑on with a northbound 2008 Honda Civic.

Killed in the crash were the Honda Civic’s occupants: Milton Alvarez Lagos, 35; Bety Salazar Lopez, 27; and Milton Salazar Alvarez, 10.

The Civic then struck a detached garage in the 300 block of Hooven Avenue before hitting a fence in the 300 block of Clinton Avenue.

The Torrent continued to spin and struck a 2002 Ford F-150. The driver of that vehicle not injured.

The Torrent’s speedometer was “stuck at 80 mph,” according to the report. The posted speed in the area is 35 mph.

Hamilton City Manager Craig Bucheit, during Hamilton City Council’s Jan. 14 meeting, said police have stepped up traffic and speed enforcement on River Road and the surrounding neighborhood, including adding speed‑warning signs and patrol presence.

City council held a moment of silence for the crash victims during council’s most recent meeting Wednesday “to acknowledge this heartbreaking loss in our community,” said Vice Mayor Lauren Smallwood.

“Mourning the lives of our three neighbors — a mother, a father, and their young son — there are no words that can truly ease a moment such as that, but it’s important that we pause together and hold space not only for their lives um but also for all who love them,” Smallwood said just before the moment of silence. “So tonight we will stand together in compassion. We extend our sympathy to their extended family, their friends, their neighbors and everyone who is feeling this loss. May they feel the love of this city surrounding them in the coming days and in those darkest moments.”