Las Vegas Journalist Faces Criminal Charges After Arrest

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Scene of a police incident on U.S. 95 in Las Vegas

News Summary

Derek Myers, an Ohio journalist, has been charged with DUI and reckless driving after an altercation with Las Vegas city marshals. Myers allegedly made threatening remarks during his arrest and claims his rights were violated. The ACLU has raised concerns about the jurisdiction of city marshals in this incident. Myers is also involved in multiple lawsuits against the city, accusing the marshals of overstepping their authority. Upcoming court hearings will further address these serious legal implications.

Las Vegas, Nevada – The City of Las Vegas has filed criminal charges against Ohio journalist Derek Myers following an alleged wrongful arrest by city marshals. The incident occurred on January 9 when city marshals stopped Myers while he was driving on U.S. 95 near the Craig Road off-ramp.

Myers is facing charges of DUI, reckless driving, and failure to provide proof of insurance, as confirmed by the city attorneys. The police report details that Myers was seen speeding at 80 mph in a 65 mph zone, closely tailing a patrol vehicle, and driving on the left shoulder. According to the marshals, he was also observed using his cell phone when they approached his vehicle.

During the encounter, when officers asked for his license, registration, and insurance, Myers allegedly made threatening remarks, stating he was not to be underestimated. He subsequently called 911, claiming that the marshals had “kidnapped” him, a claim that was corroborated by body camera footage.

Upon the arrival of Nevada Highway Patrol troopers, Myers underwent assessments for sobriety. The report noted signs of impairment including “droopy eyes” and constricted pupils. He reportedly failed several field sobriety tests and disclosed having taken anxiety medication prior to his flight to Las Vegas. A subsequent search of his belongings revealed multiple baggies containing mixed medications, two of which were found empty.

Despite his pleas for a breathalyzer test during his detainment, Myers reported that such a request was not honored. After being taken to the City of Las Vegas Detention Center, a blood sample was collected for testing, but results have not yet been released to the public.

The incident has raised significant concern over the actions and jurisdiction of the city marshals. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed doubts regarding the marshals’ authority to stop and detain Myers, urging necessary judicial review of the situation. Under Nevada law, city marshals are classified as “limited jurisdiction” officers, permitted to operate only within city properties, parks, or city buildings.

In addition to the criminal charges filed against him, Myers has been involved in filing multiple federal lawsuits against the City of Las Vegas. These lawsuits contend that the city’s marshals have consistently overstepped their boundaries and have engaged in unlawful detaining practices against numerous individuals. Myers is also participating in a class action lawsuit that suggests a potential trend of wrongful stops by the marshals, affecting possibly thousands of drivers.

Legal representation for Myers is provided by attorney Adam Breeden, who is actively contesting the charges against his client. Breeden has characterized the prosecution as retaliatory, insinuating that the charges are unfounded and an attempt by the city to undermine the ongoing lawsuits initiated by Myers and others.

The next scheduled hearing in this case is on June 25, where further developments regarding the charges and the marshals’ actions will be discussed. The situation continues to unfold, with heightened scrutiny from both legal advocates and the public as more details emerge.

This incident illustrates broader issues related to law enforcement practices and the jurisdictional limits of city marshals, raising questions about accountability and civil rights in the Las Vegas community.