One killed, five injured in U.S. 395 wreck

The Nevada Highway Patrol said Jason Silverhardt, 19, was driving a 1989 Hyundai and arguing with a juvenile female passenger in the front seat when the passenger grabbed the steering wheel.

The car swerved, struck a guard rail and came to a stop partially in the road.

Three other juveniles, two boys and a girl, were in the back seat.

One boy got out and was standing on the right side of the car when it was struck by a northbound, 1995 Ford pickup truck, officers said.

The car then struck the youth, who was pronounced dead at the scene, NHP Trooper Tony Almaraz said. The victim's name was withheld until relatives are notified.

The driver of the pickup, Jesse Pratt, 21, was under the influence of a controlled substance, Almaraz said. Pratt was arrested on a charge of DUI causing death.

The NHP also was reviewing possible misdemeanor charges against the girl who grabbed the steering wheel and caused the first accident, the patrol said.

archive