News Summary

A tragic accident in Las Vegas left a 12-year-old boy critically injured after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while on his way to school. The incident occurred near Rancho High School and has raised serious concerns about road safety, especially around school zones. The driver fled but was apprehended shortly afterward and faces serious charges. Local authorities are responding by enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for dangerous driving behaviors, emphasizing the need for greater driver accountability to protect children in these areas.

Las Vegas

A 12-year-old boy was critically injured after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while walking to school. The incident occurred just before 8 a.m. near the intersection of Owens and 21st Street, close to Rancho High School.

The young boy sustained life-threatening injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital for emergency treatment. Following the incident, the driver responsible for the accident fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after. The driver faces serious charges, including suspected DUI and hit-and-run.

Metro Deputy Chief Jose Hernandez highlighted that incidents of this nature are alarmingly becoming more common. In response, the police department is implementing a zero tolerance approach to unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding and running red lights, particularly around school zones.

The specific area where the accident occurred, on 21st Street, is significant as it passes by three schools: Rancho High School, JD Smith Middle School, and CP Squires Elementary School. This has raised considerable concern among local residents, who are urging drivers to adhere to speed limits and drive more cautiously in these populated areas.

Krista Holloway, a founder of the organization WalkSafelyLV, expressed her sorrow over the incident, pointing out ongoing issues related to driver accountability. This organization was established to promote road safety following the tragic death of a student who was hit by a suspected drunk driver last May.

In light of these concerns, some recent safety measures have been implemented around Arbor View High School, such as new crossing guards and improved signage. However, parents and community members are advocating for more crossing guards in school zones, particularly in the area where this incident occurred.

While North Las Vegas has recently expanded its crossing guard program to include all middle schools, there has been no extension of this program to high schools as of yet. Community involvement is increasingly being recognized as crucial for ensuring the safety of children in school zones.

As the investigation continues, local authorities are urging drivers to remain vigilant and responsible behind the wheel, especially in areas frequented by school children.

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Tragic Death of High School Senior Sparks Safety Initiatives
Las Vegas Sees Surge in Traffic Fatalities
Las Vegas Valley Enhances Pedestrian Safety for Students
Safety Enhancements at Arbor View High School Crosswalk
Las Vegas Grand Jury Issues Multiple Indictments for Murder and DUI Cases
Tragic Wrong-Way Crash Claims Lives of Officer and Driver
Man Pleads Guilty in DUI Crash That Killed Father

Additional Resources

• News 3 Las Vegas
• Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
• Fox 5 Vegas
• Google Search: Las Vegas traffic accidents
• Las Vegas Review-Journal
• Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Las Vegas
• KTNV Las Vegas
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicle Safety
• Hoodline
• Google News: Las Vegas car accidents

Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER

LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.