Howard County crash claims life of Logansport man

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Last Updated on October 6, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network

Howard County – Earlier today, October 6, 2025, just before 3:30 p.m., officers from the Howard County Sheriff’s Office responded to an injury-involved crash on State Road 22 near County Road 400 East in which a Logansport, IN, man died.

The preliminary crash investigation by Master Trooper Jeremy J. Perez revealed that Tara D. Lopez, 35, of Kokomo, IN, was driving a Yellow 2018 Bluebird School Bus traveling northbound on County Road 400 East, approaching State Road 22. A construction worker, identified as Aaron M. Esparza, 31, from Logansport, IN, was directing traffic in the construction zone at the intersection of State Road 22 and County Road 400 East. The School Bus traveled across State Road 22 directly behind another passenger vehicle. A Gray 2008 Dodge Ram driven by Rolland Brent Mcquiston , 72, of Windfall, IN, was traveling eastbound on State Road 22 approaching County Road 400 East. For an undetermined reason the Dodge struck the school bus on the driver’s side, causing the bus to strike Mr. Esparza.

Mr. Esparza was pronounced deceased at the crash scene by the Howard County Coroner’s Office. Ms. Lopez was treated at the scene for a minor injury. There were no reported injuries to the eight children who were on the bus during the incident.

This is an ongoing investigation. At this time, neither the consumption of alcoholic beverages nor narcotics are suspected of contributing to this crash. Notification to the family of the deceased has been made.

Master Trooper Perez was assisted by other members of the Indiana State Police, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Fire Marshall, Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Department, Howard County EMA, Community Howard EMS, and Howard County Coroner’s Office.

SOURCE: News release from Indiana State Police

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