Alcohol, marijuana found after fatal wrong-way crash near Las Vegas
Accident investigators found several containers of alcohol and marijuana packages in and around a Ford F-150 pickup truck that was being driven the wrong way on Interstate 15 last week, leading to a crash that killed an off-duty Metro police officer as well as the driver of the pickup, the Nevada Highway Patrol said Thursday.
A third motorist suffered substantial injuries and had to be flown from Moapa to University Medical Center in Las Vegas for treatment, according to a Nevada Highway Patrol news release issued Thursday.
The preliminary investigation conducted by the Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit determined that a Ford F-150, driven by Fernando Jimenez Jimenez, 31, of Las Vegas, was southbound in the northbound lanes of I-15 on Dec. 12 when it collided head-on with a Toyota Corolla driven by Metropolitan Police Department officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, of Moapa.
Both drivers were pronounced dead on scene.
After the initial collision, a Freightliner semitrailer swerved to avoid the wreckage. A secondary crash involved a Honda CR-V striking the Ford after it overturned in the travel lanes. The driver of the Freightliner was unharmed and remained at the crash site to assist investigators. The driver of the Honda CR-V was flown to the University Medical Center with substantial injuries.
Toxicology results are pending through the Clark County coroner’s office, according to the Highway Patrol.
In the news release, the Nevada Highway Patrol urged all drivers to make responsible choices.
“Impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable crashes and fatalities on our roadways,” the statement said. “Plan ahead and designate a sober driver, use a ride-share service, or arrange alternative transportation. Your choices can save lives, including your own. If you spot an impaired driver on our roadways, report it immediately.”
The Nevada Highway Patrol Southern Command has investigated 75 fatal crashes resulting in 84 fatalities in 2024, according to the news release.
Contact Marvin Clemons at mclemons@reviewjournal.com.
