A deadly collision triggered by an intoxicated motorist on the iconic Las Vegas Boulevard has led to numerous charges, with the accused prepared to face trial in May, according to local media.
Charlie Hernandez, a 28-year-old male, was reportedly speeding in a Dodge Challenger at approximately 140 miles per hour on the illustrious boulevard on March 22, as told by local law enforcement. He was under alcohol’s influence when he crashed into another vehicle – a Hyundai Accent, effectively bisecting it. Tragically, this accident resulted in severe injuries and the subsequent death of the other motorist.
The driver of the ill-fated Accent, a 38-year-old named Luciano Chavez Y Chavez, was taken to a nearby hospital but, sadly, due to his critical condition, passed away soon after.
Further complicating the tragedy was the serious injury of a passenger named Kevin Portillo-Torres, a 29-year-old riding in Hernandez’s car. He was fortunately extricated from the wreckage by firefighters and rushed to University Medical Center. Despite this, his condition was grave, with injuries including a fractured femur, among other complications. The information about his current condition remains undisclosed.
Ironically, Hernandez managed to escape serious harm. He, too, was taken to University Medical Center but was discharged shortly after medical examination.
Ownership of the Vehicle Lies With the Injured Co-passenger
Hernandez, in his interaction with the police, revealed that the Challenger was actually owned by Portillo-Torres. Both individuals had been visiting a friend’s place, indulged in alcohol consumption, and due to Portillo-Torres’ impaired state, he had requested Hernandez to drive him home, as detailed by Hernandez’s statement.
Regrettably, Hernandez, also under the influence of alcohol, took to the road at thrice the allowed speed limit, leading to the devastating accident. As per the car’s data recorder, the vehicle was moving at an alarming 127 miles per hour at the precise moment of collision, as reported by KLAS.
Hernandez has now been indicted with charges of DUI resulting in death, DUI resulting significant bodily harm, and reckless driving, and is expected to appear in court by May. Hernandez made an appearance in court already during the weekend, where a bail of $50,000 was set for him by Judge Daniel Westmeyer.
Reports indicate that Hernandez was able to fulfil the bail amount but has been subsequently barred from operating any motorized vehicle and will be obliged to wear a device to monitor his alcohol consumption.
This unfortunate accident led to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department voicing a message of responsibility through their social media, appealing to the residents of Clark County to re-evaluate their decisions.
The message read: “We MUST do better, Clark County! Families are suffering due to reckless choices! It’s time to put an END to this tragedy!”
