What began as a routine traffic stop in east Las Vegas on Monday night quickly turned into a short but chaotic pursuit, ending with both the driver and a Metro officer in the hospital.
Officers tried to pull over a vehicle just after 8:30 p.m. at 12th Street and Bonanza Road, when the driver allegedly hit the gas instead of the brakes and sped away, according to police. During the brief chase, the fleeing vehicle struck a patrol car, and the pursuit wrapped up near Lake Mead Boulevard and Lamb Boulevard. The driver ran off on foot but was later caught and taken into custody. Authorities said both the suspect and the officer were treated at a hospital for minor injuries.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officials said the scene was secured and the suspect remained in custody while detectives began piecing together what happened. Drivers were urged to steer clear of the Lake Mead and Lamb area while the investigation unfolded, and police emphasized the probe is still in its early stages, as reported by FOX5.
Intersection Has Seen Recent Crashes
The Lake Mead and Lamb intersection has already been on law enforcement’s radar this year. In late February, a driver in a stolen vehicle crashed into an LVMPD patrol car at the same crossroads, prompting temporary closures, according to KTNV. That earlier wreck underscored recurring traffic-safety concerns on busy east-valley arterials and helps explain why officers were especially quick to shut the area down again Monday night.
Investigation Remains Active
Police said they have not released the suspect’s name or any potential charges while detectives continue gathering evidence, and the suspect remains in custody. Officials confirmed both the officer and the suspect were treated at a nearby hospital with minor injuries, per KTNV. The department has not yet provided further details about what led to the initial traffic stop.
