In a recent hit-and-run case in North Las Vegas, 49-year-old Herbert Charles Ridge was arrested on charges of fleeing the scene of an accident involving a pedestrian who later died from injuries sustained. According to FOX5 Vegas, the crash occurred early Monday morning near the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Craig Road. The North Las Vegas Police Department reported that Ridge hit the pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk with the front end of his 2017 Nissan NV200 van.
Ridge is alleged to have gotten out of his vehicle, approached the pedestrian, then re-entered his vehicle and fled the scene. This information, alongside subsequent events leading to Ridge's arrest, was partly due to a tip from a community member who recalled the vehicle from a news segment and contacted the police Tuesday evening with details about the van's location. The vehicle, found with significant damage and missing its license plate, was located in the 4000 block of Beauty Secret Drive, as per the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
When apprehended by the North Las Vegas police, Ridge offered the explanation that he thought he had hit a "dog or something," according to statements obtained by both FOX5 Vegas and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Despite this claim, the pedestrian's fatal injuries contradict the suspect's perception of the event's severity. After the arrest, Ridge was booked into the North Las Vegas Community Correction Center.
Ridge is facing charges for failing to stop at the scene of an accident that caused death or injury, as well as for not providing aid. He is also charged with destroying or concealing evidence and driving with a suspended license.
