Two Nevada State Police Troopers died after they were struck in a hit-and-run while checking on a motorist who appeared to be sleeping in the driver’s seat on a Las Vegas freeway.
The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, when Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix stopped to check on the driver on the northbound side of the freeway, at which time they were struck by a white Chevrolet HHR, which fled the scene.
Radio communications recorded after the incident revealed the chaotic and distressing search for the troopers by their colleagues. Confusion and urgency marked the interactions as officers tried to locate their fallen comrades.
One of the officers was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other died from his injuries at a nearby hospital.
The driver suspect, identified as 46-year-old Jemarcus Williams, was later apprehended at an apartment complex at Monroe Avenue and J Street. Williams has been booked into the Clark County Detention Center, facing serious charges, including two counts each of reckless driving resulting in death, DUI resulting in death, and failing to stop at an accident involving death. In a court appearance on Friday prosecutors said that Williams had been drinking at a casino until he was so drunk that he had to be taken out by security officers. The officers also told him not to get into his car.
Abbate, who had been with the department since December 2013, was recently promoted to sergeant, while Felix, a United States Air Force veteran, joined the state police in 2019.
Their dedication and service were highlighted by Governor Joe Lombardo, who expressed his profound sadness over their deaths. In a solemn gesture of respect, all U.S. flags in Nevada were ordered to be flown at half-staff until the funerals of the fallen troopers.
