PITTSBURG COUNTY, OKLAHOMA — A commercial truck driver from Kyrgyzstan is facing deportation after his unsecured load of loose tires flew across U.S. Highway 69 and slammed into an Oklahoma Highway Patrol vehicle, creating what troopers described as a major roadway hazard.

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The incident occurred on November 18, when troopers with OHP Troop E were traveling along US-69 and witnessed a commercial motor vehicle traveling in the opposite direction lose part of its load. Several tires broke free, bounced over the concrete barrier, and struck a marked OHP patrol unit. No injuries were reported, but the patrol vehicle sustained damage.

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According to Oklahoma Highway Patrol and video released on December 3, the driver hauling the tires was identified as Kutmanali Bekbolot, a citizen of Kyrgyzstan. Troopers immediately noted that Bekbolot did not understand English, raising concerns about CDL eligibility requirements. During the stop, further investigation revealed that he had been living in New York, where he obtained a commercial driver’s license, but did not have lawful immigration status in the United States.

Troopers contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Bekbolot was taken into custody after ICE confirmed he was in the country illegally. Bekbolot later admitted to entering the U.S. through Mexico.

OHP emphasized the seriousness of the event, stating that unsecured loads pose extreme risks to the public. “Loose tires can cost lives,” the agency said. They noted that individuals operating commercial vehicles without legal status may not meet required safety and training standards. “This incident underscores the importance of our partnership with ICE… anything that threatens the safety of Oklahomans must be addressed.”

The tires striking the patrol vehicle were the only damages reported, but troopers stressed that similar incidents have led to fatalities in other cases.

OHP says it has conducted multiple joint enforcement operations with ICE in recent months and will continue efforts to keep improperly credentialed or unsafe commercial drivers off Oklahoma highways.

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