A Tesla struck a family waiting to cross near the Las Vegas Strip on Sunday night around 7:35 p.m. at East Harmon Avenue and Audrie Lane, critically injuring a woman and her 2-year-old child and sparking concerns about impaired driving in the busy tourist area. Police said two adults and a toddler in a stroller were hit while waiting for the crosswalk signal and all were taken to University Medical Center, where the woman and child were reported to have life-threatening injuries.
What police say
In a news release, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said a gray 2026 Tesla Model Y heading west on Harmon failed to stay in its travel lane and drove onto the south sidewalk. The car then re-entered the roadway and struck the right rear of a stopped 2024 Chevrolet Trax before being redirected back onto the sidewalk, where it hit the pedestrians.
A witness tailed the Tesla as it left the scene, and the vehicle ultimately came to a stop in the Topgolf parking lot at 4627 Koval Lane, according to the department. Officers found the driver there and said he “showed signs of impairment.”
Charges and court status
Court records reviewed by local reporters identify the driver as 28-year-old Gavin Caci of Las Vegas. He faces eight felony counts tied to the crash, including two counts of DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm, according to KSNV. Caci appeared in court on Monday and was booked on DUI and hit-and-run-related charges, KTNV reported.
Potential penalties under Nevada law
Under Nevada law, a DUI that causes substantial bodily harm is a Category B felony, a serious charge that can bring a multi-year prison term along with mandatory fines, according to the Draskovich Law Group. “Substantial bodily harm” covers injuries that create a significant risk of death, result in serious permanent disfigurement or lead to long-term loss or impairment of a body part or organ.
Local safety response
State and local officials have cited a run of severe crashes as the catalyst for a new push against impaired driving on Nevada roads. A coordinated DUI enforcement blitz is underway through February 22, with extra patrols focused on high-traffic routes around the Strip, Fox5 Las Vegas reports. Safety advocates quoted in that coverage urged drivers and pedestrians alike to be especially careful in these congested corridors.
Investigation ongoing
The LVMPD Collision Investigation Section is continuing to work the case and is asking anyone with video, dashcam footage or eyewitness information to contact investigators, noting in its release that the case remains open. Authorities described the victims as visitors from the United Kingdom and said their names are being withheld until all notifications are complete.
