Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Police: Driver of crashed bus admits smoking Spice

Tour Bus Crash

Yasmina Chavez

A five car accident, including a tour bus, is seen on Oneida Way and Desert Inn during a rainy evening, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2013.

Updated Monday, Aug. 19, 2013 | 3:56 p.m.

Tour Bus Crash

A five car accident, including a tour bus, is seen on Oneida Way and Desert Inn during a rainy evening, Sunday, Aug. 19, 2013. Launch slideshow »

Metro Police say the driver of an empty tour bus involved in a chain-reaction crash that injured 12 people admitted smoking synthetic marijuana before the wreck.

Police tell KLAS-TV they're investigating what role Spice, speed and rain may have played in the 5:30 p.m. Sunday crash involving the bus and at least five other vehicles near the Boulevard mall east of the Las Vegas Strip.

The driver, 45-year-old Ray Lussier, was cited for driving under the influence of drugs, police said Monday. Because Lussier was admitted to the hospital for injuries, he has not yet been arrested, police said.

Twelve people were treated at nearby Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center for injuries that authorities described as minor.

Witnesses say the bus plowed into vehicles at a red light and then ran into a light pole.

Witnesses kept the driver at the scene until police arrived. He wasn't immediately identified.

Calls to the bus company, Herrera Coaches, went unanswered.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Jackie Valley contributed to this report.

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