2 Nevada State Police Troopers struck, killed in Las Vegas; suspect in custody
UPDATE: The following is from Las Vegas Metro Police Undersheriff Andrew Walsh.
On Thursday, Nov. 30, at approximately 3:23 a.m., two Nevada State Police Troopers were making contact with a motorist who appeared to be sleeping behind the wheel and was pulled over to the side of the road in the area of Interstate-15 and D Street.
Moments later, a white Chevrolet HHR collided with the troopers. The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction of travel. Medical personnel responded and transported one of the troopers to UMC Trauma where he later died. The other trooper succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
LVMPD responded to the scene and performed a grid search for the white Chevrolet HHR. Officers were able to locate the vehicle unoccupied in an apartment complex near J street and Monroe Avenue at approximately 8:00 a.m.
Through investigative measures, we were able to identify the suspect as 46-year-old Jemarcus Williams. He was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center for the following charges:
• Reckless driving resulting in death (2 Counts)
• Driving under the influence resulting in death (2 Counts)
• Duty to stop at the scene of an accident involving death (2 Counts)
This remains an ongoing investigation being led by the LVMPD Homicide Section. A future update will be provided when additional information is available.
If anyone in the community has any information about this incident, we urge you to please contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521.To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the internet at www.crimestoppersofnv.com.
***
UPDATE: A suspect who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal crash Thursday morning that killed two Nevada State Troopers is in custody, according to a press briefing by the Las Vegas Metro Police Department.
The suspect is believed to have been driving a white Chevy HHR, which police said was the model of vehicle sought after that killed the two officers. The names of the officers who died have not been released. The suspect's name was also not released.
The officers were attending to a "motorist assist" of a vehicle when a second vehicle, a Chevy HHR, hit them, said LVMPD Brandon Clarkson in the news conference. One officer died at the scene of the crash and the other died after being taken to the hospital.
The "motorist assist" vehicle that the officers initially stopped for to investigate whether the driver was sleeping, is not being investigated for involvement in the fatal crash.
Las Vegas Metro Police Department homicide section is investigating.
The noon briefing is to be shared once uploaded via LVMPD’s Facebook page, Nevada State Police Facebook page and LVMPD’s YouTube.
***
Two Nevada State Troopers died early Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle in Las Vegas.
On social media, Nevada State Police posted the following:
"We are deeply saddened to report that two Nevada State Troopers conducting a motorist assist earlier this morning in Las Vegas were struck by a vehicle and have been confirmed deceased.
The investigation is currently on-going and being conducted by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Our prayers are with the families and loved ones of our fallen Troopers. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo issued the following statement:
“I’m profoundly saddened by the deaths of two of our brave Nevada State Troopers, who were killed early this morning in Las Vegas. This is a devastating loss for Nevada law enforcement, the city of Las Vegas, and our entire state. As we mourn these troopers, we will never forget their bravery, courage, and sacrifice.”
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Troopers were killed while conducting a motorist assist on Interstate 15.