A man accused of precipitating two separate crashes is facing serious charges, according to local law enforcement. Nevada authorities have charged the man with drunk driving in connection to a fatal hit-and-run involving a bicyclist, but they have also alleged that he was involved in at least one other crash on the same evening. The man was scheduled to appear in court on June 10.
According to the accident report, the fatal crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. on June 4. A 67-year-old bicyclist was heading eastbound when he was allegedly hit by the driver in question, who then apparently drove off. The bicyclist died of his injuries.
The driver then apparently precipitated a three-car accident approximately 10 minutes after the fatal crash. The force of the impact totalled all three vehicles, though thankfully only one person, a passenger in one of the vehicles, suffered minor injuries. Police arrested the man on suspicion of drunk driving after they apparently discovered a half-empty open bottle of what was believed to be alcohol in the car. It is unclear if roadside sobriety tests were performed before his arrest.
While a fatal accident is always tragic, it will be important for Nevada authorities not to assign guilt too hastily, as a drunk driving charge can have long-lasting implications for the defendant. The defense may wish to ask for proof of the man’s alleged intoxication by way of records of roadside sobriety or Breathalyzer tests. If no such tests were administered, the drunk driving charge could be dismissed.
Source: lasvegassun.com, “Police: Man in fatal hit-and-run of bicyclist was in 2 other crashes“, June 9, 2015
