The man accused of killing a Johnson County Sheriff's Deputy while driving drunk used to work for an Overland Park developer.
Now that developer is working with federal immigration authorities.
Court records say Adrian Espinosa-Flores was driving drunk when he rammed his pick-up truck into the back of a Johnson County patrol car in the early morning hours of September 11.
Both vehicles caught fire, and Master Deputy Brandon Collins, who was inside his vehicle, was killed.
A police helicopter and canine teams found Espinosa-Flores after he fled the crash site.
Deputies said he confessed to being in the country illegally.
Despite that issue, the 41 Action News Investigators have learned Espinosa-Flores is a former employee of Carson Development.
That company owns several developments, including the upscale Corbin Park retail area at 135th and Metcalf in Overland Park. Corbin Park features stores like Scheel's and Von Maur. A new Dave and Buster's Restaurant is currently under construction there.
Carson Development owner Michel Schlup bought the 1.1 million square-foot development in 2011 for $8.1 million, rescuing the park from bankruptcy.
Other projects include an area retail mall and apartment/townhome complexes.
In a letter sent to 41 Action News Investigators, Schlup acknowledges Espinosa-Flores had worked for Carson Development, but said he was not employed by the company at the time of the fatal crash.
Schlup also said Immigration or ICE contacted his company stating Espinosa-Flores may not be in the country legally.
Schlup said ICE requested documents on Espinosa-Flores the company, by law, is required to keep. He said the company immediately gave ICE those documents and is fully cooperating with them.
Other than his statement, Schlup declined further comment citing the open investigation.
A spokesman for ICE declined comment. He would neither confirm nor deny whether there's an open investigation.
Espinosa-Flores has a previous conviction in Pomona, California for DUI in 2001 and pleaded guilty to driving without a license in Overland Park in 2013.
Despite those encounters with the legal system, ICE has no record of being notified about Espinosa-Flores before the fatal crash.
Collins leaves behind a wife and two young daughters. He was a 20-year veteran of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
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Andy Alcock can be reached at anderson.alcock@kshb.com.
