In a violent crash linked to illegal street racing, a woman lost her life while her sister, behind the wheel, and another driver sustained injuries in the southern Las Vegas valley early Wednesday morning.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported to the scene of the crash on Feb. 21 at 1:41 a.m. along East Silverado Ranch Boulevard near Bermuda Road. An orange 2022 Chevrolet Camaro and a maroon 2023 Mazda MX5, identified to be racing at dangerously high speeds, collided and were sent spinning in opposite directions. The catastrophic sequence led the Chevrolet to hit a retaining wall, while the Mazda struck a light pole and a tree.
Learn why the owner of a stolen car ran from police after it was recovered.
The passenger of the Mazda, unable to escape the wreckage, was found unresponsive and later identified as 24-year-old Jessica Dettlaff. At the scene, authorities discovered she was the sister of the Mazda’s driver, 26-year-old Melissa Dettlaff. The driver of the Camaro, 24-year-old Jonathan Gallagher, who was alone in his vehicle, sustained minor injuries.
Witnesses informed the police that the vehicles seemed to be engaging in a speed contest, originating from the vicinity of South Point Casino. Following the incident, both drivers admitted to having been at Distill Bar before the tragic crash.
Melissa Dettlaff, suspected of driving under the influence due to the detection of alcohol, was unable to undergo a sobriety test due to her injuries. Authorities have since taken blood samples for further analysis. Both she and Gallagher face charges of reckless driving resulting in death or bodily harm, with Dettlaff potentially facing additional DUI charges pending blood test results.
+ There are no comments
Add yours