LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Two highway patrol troopers were killed after they were struck by a vehicle on a Las Vegas freeway early Thursday morning, Nevada State Police said.
Authorities identified the victims as Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix.
Sergeant Michael Abbate, badge #304, began the Department in December 2013 and was recently promoted to Sergeant in November 2023.
Trooper Alberto Felix, badge #502, became a part of the Department in January 2019. Before his service with the Highway Patrol, Trooper Felix honorably served in the United States Air Force.
Both troopers were assisting a motorist who appeared to be asleep around 3:23 a.m. A white Chevy struck the troopers and fled the scene.
The Clark County District Attorney's office later confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody near J Street and Monroe Avenue.
The suspect was later identified as 46-year-old Jemarcus Williams.
Records indicate that Williams faces two counts of DUI resulting in death, two counts of reckless driving resulting in death and two counts of duty to stop at the scene of an accident.
He is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on Friday morning.
A procession of law enforcement officers led one trooper from the scene to the Clark County Coroner's office. A second procession traveled from UMC.
"Our prayers are with the families and loved ones of our fallen Troopers," Nevada State Police said in a statement.
"I'm profoundly saddened by the deaths of two of our brave Nevada State Troopers, who were killed early this morning in Las Vegas," Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo said in a statement. "This is a devastating loss for Nevada law enforcement, the city of Las Vegas, and our entire state. As we mourn these troopers, we will never forget their bravery, courage, and sacrifice."
Pursuant to Nevada policy, Governor Lombardo is directing the United States flag and the Nevada state flag be lowered to half-staff immediately on November 30, 2023, until sunset on the day of interment to honor the fallen Nevada State Troopers.
The heavy law enforcement activity shut down a lengthy stretch of northbound I-15 through downtown Las Vegas.
The deaths of the two troopers mark the 11th and 12th line-of-duty deaths in the history of Nevada's Highway Patrol and its predecessor agency, according to figures tracked by the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The last trooper with Highway Patrol killed in the line of duty was Micah May, who was fatally struck by a suspect during a vehicle pursuit on I-15 in Las Vegas in 2021.
The Injured Police Officers Fund is now taking donations, click here.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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