Posted on: March 29, 2024, 06:01h.
Last updated on: March 29, 2024, 06:01h.
An intoxicated driver was traveling at speeds up to 140 mph when he struck another vehicle recently on Las Vegas Boulevard, police said. The impact broke the other car in half, killed the other driver, and injured a passenger.
The drunk driver, Charlie Hernandez, 28, was arrested last week, police said. He is scheduled to appear in court in May on DUI resulting in death, DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm, and reckless driving charges, Las Vegas TV station KLAS reported on Thursday.
Hernandez was driving a Dodge Challenger on March 22 southbound on Las Vegas Boulevard when he smashed into the Hyundai Accent near the intersection with Walnut Road.
The Accent literally split in half, police said. The Challenger rolled over before coming to rest on the street, KLAS reported.
One Died, One Critically Injured
When police officers first got to the accident scene, Hernandez had gotten out of the car.
His passenger, Kevin Portillo-Torres, 29, was in the damaged Challenger and could not escape. He also was critically injured, according to Las Vegas TV station KSNV.
Trapped in the car, Las Vegas firefighters arrived and eventually extricated him. Once free, he was taken to University Medical Center.
Doctors there treated him for multiple injuries to the bottom of his body, such as a broken femur, according to KSNV.
Police did not have an updated condition late this week for Portillo-Torres.
The driver of the Accent, Luciano Chavez Y Chavez, 38, also was critically injured. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors could do little to save his life. He soon was declared dead.
Hernandez, who apparently escaped serious injury, was also taken to University Medical Center. Hernandez was released after being checked out by a doctor.
He later told police the Challenger belonged to Portillo-Torres. Portillo-Torres needed a ride back to his house because he too had been drinking alcohol so Hernandez took the wheel.
I messed up. I [expletive] up,” Hernandez said to an officer following the arrest. “I was driving and I got into an accident.”
When Hernandez first spoke to police it appeared he did not even know what street he was on, KSNV reported. He thought he was on Craig Road.
Hernandez also failed a field sobriety test which tells officers if someone is intoxicated, according to KSNV.
Police also checked the Challenger’s computer after the deadly crash. Three seconds before impact, Hernandez was driving 140 mph with his foot pressing the gas pedal to the floor, police said. That is more than three times the posted speed limit of 45 mph.
At the exact time of the collision, his car was clocked at 127 mph, according to the car’s internal computer.
Hernandez was booked at Clark County Detention Center. He appeared in local court last weekend.
Judge Daniel Westmeyer set Hernandez’ bail at $50K. He was able to post bond.
Ordered Not to Drive
As a condition of his release, Hernandez cannot operate a motor vehicle. He also was ordered to wear a bracelet that monitors alcohol use.
Hernandez reportedly had been drinking alcohol at a friend’s residence shortly before the fatal crash.
The deadly crash got the attention of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) social media sites.
We MUST do better, Clark County!” one LVMPD site stated. “Families are suffering due to reckless choices! It’s time to put an END to this tragedy!”
