Pedestrian dies in hit-and-run accident in Las Vegas

A 27-year-old man walking on a sidewalk was struck and killed by a pickup Thursday morning in downtown, Las Vegas police said.

Joshua Savala was walking about
6:20 a.m. with a co-worker along Las Vegas Boulevard from his downtown apartment to his job at Catholic Charities, where he worked as a truck driver in the food services division, a charity employee said.

A northbound 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup drifted right off the street and onto the sidewalk south of Washington Avenue, hitting and killing Savala, before speeding away, police said.

Officers later found the truck and the driver, Hector Octavio Echague, 23, of Las Vegas. He was questioned and showed no signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, police said.

The collision remained under investigation, however, and he could face charges.

Las Vegas Boulevard was closed between Washington Avenue and Cashman Drive while police investigated the accident.

Review-Journal reporter Brian Haynes contributed to this report. Contact reporter Adrienne Packer at apacker@review journal.com or 702-387-2904.