EXCLUSIVE: Mom of Florida Birthday Boy Mowed Down By Illegal Migrant Begged God As She Reached For Her Son

On what should have been a joyous 21st birthday, Zach Carach’s life was nearly shattered when a fleeing illegal immigrant struck him, and his mother’s desperate prayers echoed as she reached for her unconscious son.

For the Florida native, it was meant to be a memorable weekend celebrating Zach's birthday in Nashville. But in an instant, that celebration turned into a nightmare.

A Venezuelan illegal migrant, Tony Lopez-Infante, allegedly drove through a crosswalk on May 18th, striking Zach and leaving him severely injured on the pavement.

For his mother, Sheena Carach, the seconds that followed were filled with desperate prayers. “All I could do in that moment was plead with God, beg Him from the depths of my soul. Please… not him. Take me if you have to, but not my baby,” she said in an exclusive interview with Law Enforcement Today.

“My knees hit the pavement before I even realized I had fallen, my hands trembling as I reached for him, my voice cracking under the weight of desperation.”

Sheena watched in horror as her son lay motionless in the crosswalk, his eyes glassy and unfocused.

I kept praying, over and over, louder, fiercer, as if my words could pull him back, as if love alone could defy whatever force was trying to take him. Please, God, please don’t let this be it,” she shared.

Zach was rushed to a local hospital with multiple broken bones, a serious concussion, severe road rash, and more. He is now confined to a wheelchair for at least two months, relying on his family for help with even the most basic tasks. Once his bones heal, he faces months of grueling physical therapy to regain his independence.

Lopez-Infante, who entered the U.S. illegally in August 2023, was already under a final order of removal when he allegedly struck Zach. Yet he was still on the streets and now remains at large, prompting outrage from Sheena and countless others. “The man who hit him is still out there, walking free,” Sheena said.

I’m fighting with everything I have for justice. I’m praying, I’m pushing, and I am willing it into existence. That this man is found, that he is held accountable, and that Zach’s suffering is not ignored or forgotten.”

Authorities with Homeland Security Investigations and Metro Nashville Police are continuing the search for Lopez-Infante. His escape and the devastating injuries he caused have brought renewed scrutiny to border security and local sanctuary policies.

The Nashville area has seen other violent crimes tied to illegal immigrants in recent months. In February, eight illegal immigrants from Venezuela were arrested for running a violent sex trafficking ring.

In April, a 19-year-old illegal immigrant was arrested for impregnating a 12-year-old girl he met on Facebook. These stories underscore the deep concerns many families like the Carachs now face.

Sheena, who worked as a police officer herself, says it’s not about politics or immigration status. It’s about simple human decency. “If you hit someone, you stop. That’s just what you do. It’s inhumane not to stop,” she said.

Through it all, she has leaned on her faith to keep going. “I don’t claim to be the best person or the strongest Christian. I’m just someone who tries to live with kindness, who believes in speaking life and light into the world,” she said.

These last three weeks have tested every part of me.”

As Zach begins the long road to recovery, Sheena and her family are asking for prayers and help from anyone who can offer it. “By the grace of God, Zach is alive,” she said. “We’re going to keep fighting for him.”

The hunt continues for Tony Gebian Lopez-Infante, having recently intensified at the behest of Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. This comes in the wake of U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams’ controversial ruling that local police must halt enforcement of Florida’s immigration laws. 

Sheena has set up a GoFundMe that has raised over $3,000, en route to a goal of $4,000.