Bail set at $25,000 for teen accused of DUI in fatal crash

By Cara McCoy

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 | 8:42 a.m.

A teenager who told police he took “four shots of Jack Daniels” before authorities say he ran a red light and crashed his vehicle into a car driven by a 24-year-old woman, killing her, pleaded not guilty today to drunken driving charges at a hearing in Las Vegas Justice Court.

Kevin Miranda, 18, appeared via videoconference from the Clark County Detention Center, where he has been held without bail since his arrest Nov. 29.

The coroner's office has said Angela Nichole Peterson died from traumatic injuries after a pickup truck police said Miranda was driving collided with her Pontiac Sunfire at 1:13 a.m. at the intersection of Rainbow Boulevard and Flamingo Road.

Her father was in the courtroom for today’s proceedings.

Miranda’s attorney, Dan Winder, asked that his client to be released on his own recognizance. Justice of the Peace Tony Abbatangelo set bail at $25,000 and ordered that if Miranda posts bail, he be required to wear a SCRAM device, which is a bracelet that monitors alcohol consumption, and be put on house arrest.

Winder indicated Miranda’s parents, who were also in court, intended to post bail for him.

“He is extremely remorseful about this situation,” Winder said.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Bruce Nelson had requested bail of least $50,000.

“He feels sorry now, but why didn’t he feel sorry then and not drink?” Nelson said. “He’s obviously a danger to the community. He’s far too young to be drinking any alcohol.”

Miranda wasn't injured in the crash. Police said he had failed a field sobriety test. Nelson said today Miranda's blood-alcohol level was .18, which is more than twice the legal limit for adults of drinking age.

A preliminary hearing was set for Feb. 25.