Fatal DWI Involves Illegal Immigrant

(03/07/07 --CLAYTON) (WTVD) -- Police believe a repeat DWI offender and illegal immigrant cause a fiery fatal crash in Johnston County, but the wreck has some questioning why he was allowed back on the streets.

A family member of the victims wants people to remember a father and his son. The crash is highlighting a touchy debate about illegal immigrants, the jails and what local law enforcement should be doing about it.

Dwane Braswell, 35, and his 9-year-old son, Jerry, of Clayton were in a big rig Sunday when a car ran a stop sign and darted out in front of them. Braswell swerved to avoid it, but his cab rolled over and burst into flames, killing the father and son.

The other driver, Luciano Telles, fled but is now in the Johnston County Jail. He had prior DUIs in Wake County and is an illegal immigrant.

"An individual in the country illegally and driving without a license," said Rudy Baker, family member.

Even though Telles is an illegal immigrant, his entry from jail is nothing new. Other illegal immigrants have been involved in fatal DWIs, and they were offered bail in N.C. without being deported.

One lawmaker wants to make sure all county jails are screening inmates for their immigration status, a job that is usually the responsibility of the federal government.

"We need to have a way to identify a person in jail if he's legal or not, that's just obvious," said Harris Blake of Pinehurst.

Alamance County will soon screen jail inmates for illegal residency but immigration advocates say it will lead to abuse.

"Justice is supposed to be equal for everyone," said Tony Asion, El Pueblo. "This isn't equal justice. Everyone doesn't have to go through this process."

Meanwhile, the family of a father and son want people to simply remember those who are gone.

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