News Summary
A wrong-way crash on Interstate 15 in Las Vegas resulted in the deaths of Officer Colton Pulsipher and driver Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez. The collision, triggered by Jimenez-Jimenez’s high blood-alcohol level, highlights concerns regarding impaired driving and police presence in rural areas. Discussions on stricter measures against such incidents are expected to follow.
Las Vegas, Nevada – A wrong-way crash on Interstate 15 claimed the lives of a Las Vegas police officer and the driver of the vehicle responsible for the collision. The incident occurred on December 12, 2022, when 31-year-old Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez drove southbound in the northbound lanes, colliding head-on with Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, who was off-duty and driving his personal pickup truck at the time.
Officer Pulsipher was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, while Jimenez-Jimenez was found to have a dangerously high blood-alcohol concentration of .205, more than twice the legal limit of .08. Authorities also discovered several empty beer cans and cannabis packages at the crash site, along with a broken bottle of Bacardi rum in Jimenez-Jimenez’s vehicle. Toxicology tests revealed elevated levels of THC, the active substance in marijuana, indicating that he had been consuming cannabis as well.
Besides Officer Pulsipher and Jimenez-Jimenez, the crash involved two other vehicles—a Freightliner truck and a Honda CR-V. The driver of the Freightliner managed to avoid a direct collision and was uninjured, remaining at the scene to assist with the investigation. Conversely, the driver of the Honda CR-V sustained a leg injury and was transported to the hospital. Jimenez-Jimenez’s friend, Miguel Jimenez-Cruz, who was in the passenger seat of the pickup that rolled over, was either ejected or escaped from the vehicle before it flipped. He was later discovered by police after spending approximately nine and a half hours sleeping in the desert. Jimenez-Cruz indicated that both men had been drinking prior to the crash and had planned to continue drinking in the desert.
Reports indicate that Jimenez-Jimenez was driving at speeds near 100 mph when the crash occurred. Additionally, it has been noted that he was unlicensed and his vehicle was uninsured. An immigration judge had previously ordered Jimenez-Jimenez’s removal from the United States in 2021, raising further concerns regarding his legal status.
The dramatic nature of this tragic event has initiated discussions surrounding the coverage of law enforcement in rural Nevada. The incident spotlights potential gaps in police presence and response capabilities in less populated areas, which could be vital in preventing similar accidents in the future.
Officer Pulsipher was known for his commitment to serving the Las Vegas community, and his untimely death has struck a chord among local residents and fellow officers alike. In contrast, Jimenez-Jimenez’s actions that led to the crash have drawn widespread criticism, emphasizing the dangers of impaired driving.
In the aftermath of this collision, law enforcement and community leaders are expected to advocate for stricter measures against impaired driving and to consider enhancements to trooper coverage in vulnerable areas. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse, and the importance of responsible choices.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Reckless Driving Results in Fatal Crash in Las Vegas
Mayor Berkley Addresses Public Safety and Homelessness in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Faces Weekend of Tragic Vehicle Crashes
Nevada Senate Passes Jaya’s Law to Combat Wrong-Way Driving
Additional Resources
- News 3 LV
- Wikipedia: Impaired Driving
- 8 News Now
- Google Search: Wrong Way Driving Accidents
- Review Journal
- Google Scholar: Drunk Driving Accidents
- Fox 5 Vegas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accident
- MSN News
- Google News: Las Vegas Wrong Way Crash
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.
