Two Nevada state troopers were struck and killed by a drunk driver in a hit-and-run in Las Vegas early Thursday while conducting a routine checkpoint on the state’s busiest highway.
Jemarcus Williams, 46, is accused of killing police officers and evading law enforcement for hours after his vehicle was discovered at a nearby apartment complex, said Las Vegas Police Undersheriff Andrew Walsh. , during a press conference.
Sergeant. Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix stopped to check on a driver asleep behind the wheel on Interstate 15 near downtown Las Vegas around 3:30 a.m. before the suspect, driving a white Chevrolet HHR, allegedly hit both men and fled the scene.
Police said one police officer died on the highway while another was rushed to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.
The suspect’s unoccupied car was found at an apartment complex around 8 a.m.
Sergeant. Michael Abbate joined the Troopers in December 2013 and was promoted to sergeant last month. X/@NVStatePolice Trooper Alberto Felix joined the Nevada State Troopers in 2019. X/@NVStatePolice
Williams faces charges of reckless driving, DUI and failure to stop at the scene of an accident.
Since his alleged crime left two people dead, the charges include a sentence enhancement, which could add decades to Williams’ punishment if he is convicted.
A sad video released by the department showed the bodies of both officers being transported to the coroner’s office by about two dozen officers on motorcycles.
Nevada State Police and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers on motorcycles lead a procession carrying the body of a state trooper to the Clark County Coroner’s Office in Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. AP
“Both Sergeant Abbate and Trooper Felix dedicated their careers to serving the state of Nevada with exceptional commitment and pride,” the department said. aware in X.
Abbate, a 10-year veteran, joined the Troopers in December 2013 and was promoted to sergeant last month.
Felix joined in 2019 after serving in the US Air Force.
“In this tragic time, Nevada State Police will need that love and support from the community more than ever,” Walsh said.
Nevada State Police and other law enforcement officers salute as the body of a state trooper is brought to the Clark County Coroner’s Office in Las Vegas, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. AP
Dozens more law enforcement officers were seen saluting the American flag-draped bodies as they were taken inside by uniformed state troopers.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo ordered all American flags in the state to fly at half-staff until the soldiers’ funerals.
“This is a devastating loss for Nevada authorities, the city of Las Vegas and our entire state,” Lombardo said in a statement. “As we mourn these soldiers, we will never forget their bravery, courage and sacrifice.”
Jemarcus Williams is accused of the predawn hit-and-run that killed both police officers Thursday. AP
Williams is due to make his first court appearance Friday morning.
The deaths of the two Nevada state troopers come nearly three years after another trooper was struck and killed on Interstate 15.
In 2021, police officer Micah May was killed while officers were chasing a carjacking suspect through Las Vegas and neighboring Las Vegas to the north.
May was struck and killed by the suspect while placing a tire deflation device in the highway lanes to stop the vehicle.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn