Fatal crash occurs after trooper pulls off chase
Friday, Oct. 30, 1998 | 4:09 a.m.
Investigators said the trooper came upon an accident on U.S. 50 east of Carson City on Thursday. As he pulled up, one of the vehicles bolted and the trooper took off in pursuit.
The officer decided that the speed of the fleeing Jeep and its reckless operation made a chase unwise and followed procedure by backing off.
A short time later, he found the Jeep involved in a wreck with another car just across the Carson City line in Lyon County.
The driver of the other car, Elaine Vela, 48, of Dayton, was severely injured and died later at Carson-Tahoe Hospital.
The driver of the Jeep, Don Grover, 20, of Carson City was flown to Washoe Medical Center in Reno where he is listed in critical condition.
Investigators say he faces multiple serious charges, which probably will include felony drunken driving.
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