Crime & Safety
Police: Man Wanted for Rape Identified at Minor Accident
Driver who was not at fault was found to be a fugitive from justice from California, troopers report.
An out-of-state driver who did not cause a minor traffic accident in Lower Macungie Township Dec. 4 found himself in handcuffs anyway after police said they learned he was a fugitive wanted on a rape charge.
Jose Alberto Vazquez was arrested following the 6:34 a.m. two-vehicle accident on the Route 222 Bypass near Krocks Road, according to state police at Fogelsville. A routine background check determined Vazquez had an active warrant against him from the Los Angeles Police Department for rape by force or fear.
Vazquez was taken to Lehigh County Prison, where he was held awaiting extradition to California, police said.
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The arrest was the result of the traffic accident.
Vazquez was traveling north on Route 222 and slowed his 1997 Chrysler Town & Country for a red traffic signal, police said. A driver of a 2001 Ford Focus, who was unnamed by police, was traveling behind Vazquez and was unable to stop in time to avoid striking Vazquez's van from behind.
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Neither driver was injured, police said.
While the driver of the Ford Focus left with a warning for careless driving, Vazquez received a ride to prison.