Driver in crash that killed boy, 15, had drunk beer, smoked pot, police say

By Jackie Valley

Monday, March 11, 2013 | 7:30 p.m.

The driver of a vehicle that hit a light pole Saturday night, killing a 15-year-old passenger, allegedly admitted to drinking several beers and smoking marijuana before the crash, according to an arrest report released Monday.

The fatal accident happened at 8:13 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Rainbow Boulevard, near Lake Mead Boulevard. The Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Las Vegas resident Robert Lee Brown.

Police arrested Arturo Castillo, 23, in connection with felony driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs resulting in death. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center, where he remains without bail.

Witnesses told police a Chevrolet Blazer was speeding — and appeared to be on two wheels — when the driver apparently lost control and struck a light pole, according to the arrest report.

Brown, who was in the backseat, was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.

Castillo allegedly failed field sobriety tests and a preliminary breath test, the report states. Officers also noted that he seemed confused and lethargic.

“Castillo could not grasp the severity of his actions and that a passenger who was riding in his (Castillo’s) vehicle was deceased,” police wrote in the report. “Castillo seemed very relaxed, calm and care-free.”

Castillo and a front passenger suffered minor injuries, police said.