North Las Vegas police have detained a man suspected of striking and killing a pedestrian with his vehicle before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred around 1:40 a.m. on Monday, September 16, at the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Craig Road. Officers from the North Las Vegas Police Department responded to reports of a hit-and-run collision involving a white van and a pedestrian.
The initial investigation revealed that the van was traveling eastbound on Craig Road as it approached the intersection with Martin Luther King Boulevard. At the same time, a pedestrian was crossing within a marked crosswalk. The front end of the van struck the pedestrian, although authorities have not yet determined which party had the right of way at the time of the collision.
Witness accounts indicated that the driver exited the van momentarily, seemingly to check on the pedestrian, but then re-entered the vehicle and drove away, heading east on Craig Road. Emergency responders rushed the injured pedestrian to a local hospital, where he was treated for severe injuries. Tragically, on Tuesday, September 17, the victim succumbed to his injuries. His identity will be disclosed by the Clark County Coroner’s Office.
The North Las Vegas Police Department released images of the van on Tuesday morning, seeking assistance from the public in identifying the vehicle and its driver. Later that evening, at around 6 p.m., a tip led officers to the 1900 block of Double Delight Avenue, near Clayton Street and Alexander Road, where a witness reported seeing the van featured in the news. At approximately 6:30 p.m., officers found the vehicle parked unoccupied in the 4000 block of Beauty Secret Drive. It had no license plate and displayed “significant” front-end damage.
A witness informed police that a man wearing a bucket-style hat and gray clothing had parked the van in the area. Officers quickly located Herbert Charles Ridge, 49, who matched the witness’s description. Ridge, the registered owner of the van, initially claimed that he believed he had “hit a dog or something” while driving on Craig Road on the morning of September 16. He was arrested and booked into the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center. Ridge now faces multiple charges, including failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving death or personal injury, failure to render aid, destroying or concealing evidence, and driving with a suspended license.
Compensation at Stake for the Victim’s Family
In cases like this, the victim’s family may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including funeral expenses, medical costs incurred before the victim’s death, and compensation for emotional pain and suffering. If the pedestrian was the primary breadwinner for their family, the family might also seek compensation for the loss of future earnings. Additionally, punitive damages could be pursued due to the driver’s decision to flee the scene, an act that can significantly aggravate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
How Behzadi Law Attorneys Can Help
Navigating the complexities of a fatal hit-and-run case can be incredibly challenging, especially for grieving families. At Behzadi Law, we understand the emotional and financial toll such incidents take on victims’ families. Our team is dedicated to pursuing justice and securing the maximum compensation possible. We will meticulously investigate the incident, gather crucial evidence, and advocate on behalf of the victim’s family to hold the responsible party accountable. Our compassionate approach ensures that families receive the support they need during this difficult time, allowing them to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Behzadi Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
Source:8 News Now