Motorcyclist dead, driver arrested after suspected impairment in north Las Vegas crash

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Police say a woman has been arrested and faces drunken driving charges after a crash that killed a motorcyclist in north Las Vegas.

It happened just before 6:30 p.m. Thursday near Owens Avenue and James Street, near the Civic Center.

When officers arrived, they determined the collision involved a blue Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a brown 2011 Chevrolet HHR. The motorcyclist, a 29-year-old man, was thrown from the motorcycle after the collision and appeared to have sustained serious injuries, but when a medical team arrived they pronounced the motorcyclist dead, North Las Vegas police said.

During the preliminary investigation, officers discovered the Harley-Davidson motorcycle was traveling westbound on Owens Avenue at a high rate of speed. During this time, the Chevrolet HHR was stopped westbound on Owens Avenue near James Street in the center turn lane.

“The Harley Davidson attempted to avoid other vehicles by turning into the center median. The Harley Davidson then struck the rear of the Chevrolet, ejecting the motorcyclist from the motorcycle,” North Las Vegas police said.

The 43-year-old driver of the Chevrolet was uninjured but showed signs of impairment and was arrested. According to police, she was booked into the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center on charges of drunk driving, child endangerment and other traffic offenses.

Traffic troopers are continuing to investigate the collision, with speed and lack of a motorcycle license believed to be factors for the motorcyclist and impairment for the driver of the Chevrolet, police said.

Anyone with information about this collision is asked to call the North Las Vegas Police Department at 702-633-9111. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555