Las Vegas, NV – A pregnant woman lost her unborn child and a 9-year-old child is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following a suspected DUI crash involving four vehicles in the south Las Vegas valley, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
The crash happened on Saturday around 2:20 p.m. at the intersection of Blue Diamond Road and Las Vegas Boulevard. Police say the collision involved three mid-sized SUVs and a minivan, with nearly 17 people impacted.
Jeep Driver Suspected of DUI
Investigators say a Jeep Cherokee ran a red light while a Subaru Forester was making a left turn on a green light. The Jeep struck the Subaru, forcing it into a Toyota Sienna, before colliding with a BMW.
The driver of the Jeep, identified as 27-year-old Maximiliano Chavez, failed field sobriety tests. Chavez was treated at a local hospital and later booked into the Clark County Detention Center on multiple DUI-related charges, including DUI resulting in death.
Pregnant Woman and Child Among Victims
Several victims were taken to local hospitals, including a pregnant woman and her child. Medical teams performed life-saving measures and were able to deliver the baby, but the newborn did not survive.
According to 8NewsNow, the 9-year-old child and the mother remain hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Police: “This Will Have a Fatal Number Attached to It”
During a press conference, LVMPD Lt. Cody Fulwiler expressed frustration over the tragedy:
“The area you see behind me is the result of an impaired driver that took the life of a child that hadn’t even been born yet… This collision will have a fatal number attached to it.”
He urged drivers to make responsible choices:
“Do not drink and drive. Do not use drugs and drive. There are many other options. The images you see behind me are the result of poor decision-making.”
Intersection Closed for Investigation
The intersection of Windmill and Las Vegas Boulevard was shut down in all directions for several hours as LVMPD Fatal detectives took over the investigation. Motorists were asked to avoid the area and use alternate routes.
Next Court Appearance
Court records show Chavez is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m.
What do you think about this tragic case? Should penalties for DUI crashes be made harsher? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
