A tragic collision between a transit bus and a motorcycle has claimed a life on the streets of Las Vegas. On Wednesday, a motorcyclist was pronounced dead following an incident at the crossroads of W. Tropicana Avenue and S. Grand Canyon Drive. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the accident marked the eighth traffic-related fatality in the jurisdiction this year.
The LVMPD reports that the bus, a 2013 Ford Transit, appeared to have a flat tire and was traveling at an excessive speed when it ran a red light and struck a 2014 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special. The motorcyclist, whose identity was pending notification at the time of the report, was obeying traffic laws and had the right of way with a green signal. The impact was severe enough to instantly end the rider's journey through life.
The bus driver, identified as 24-year-old Jalen Felton of Las Vegas, initially attempted to flee the scene on foot but was located and detained with the assistance of the LVMPD's Air Unit. Felton showed signs of impairment and has been arrested on charges of DUI and hit-and-run. In a statement obtained by LVMPD, it was revealed that prior to the incident, the transit bus had been pursued by the North Las Vegas Police Department, who discontinued their pursuit just before the bus entered LVMPD's jurisdiction.
As the investigation continues, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Collision Investigation Section is meticulously piecing together the events leading up to the collision. The motorcycle, along with the bus and rider, came to rest at 9837 W. Tropicana Avenue. More information about the initial pursuit may be obtained from the North Las Vegas Public Information Office.
The motorcyclist was determined to be beyond resuscitation by the responding medical team at the scene of the accident. Meanwhile, the driver implicated in the unfortunate event remains in custody, awaiting the full weight of justice in response to his actions that fateful evening. The investigation by LVMPD's Collision Investigation Section is active and ongoing.
