In a recent turn of events surrounding a tragic hit-and-run case that shook the Las Vegas community, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has successfully closed in on both the suspect and the vehicle involved in the incident that claimed the life of a 43-year-old female pedestrian. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department press release from March 31 authorities were able to identify and arrest the driver, who is now in custody facing charges for the collision that occurred on March 26. The vehicle, a white 2022 Maserati Levante, has also been impounded by police.
The hit-and-run took place in the early hours of the morning at approximately 6:26 a.m., when the Sport Utility Vehicle, traveling northbound on South Jones Boulevard, hit the woman while she was possibly kneeling or sitting in the roadway just north of West Fairbanks Road, following the collision, the driver failed to stop or return to the scene, instead continuing northbound, thus, initiating an intense investigation spearheaded by the LVMPD's Collision Investigation Section. The pedestrian, whose name has been withheld pending notification of next of kin, was rushed to University Medical Center's Trauma Unit, where she later died from her injuries.
The LVMPD extended a plea to the public for any information that could lead to resolving the case, and numerous tips were reportedly received through Crime Stoppers. Following leads and analyzing evidence, including surveillance footage, the law enforcement officers were able to identify 34-year-old Ji Tan Yang of Las Vegas as the alleged driver, hence initiating the legal process required for the case. Yang, whose booking details reflect no injuries, is now being held at the Clark County Detention Center as he awaits the judicial proceedings associated with the hit-and-run charge.
The incident has sparked discussions on road safety and pedestrian awareness as the Clark County Coroner’s Office investigates the cause of death. The LVMPD is urging anyone with more information to contact their Collision Investigation Section or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
