Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Las Vegas road rage dispute leaves elderly man in critical condition

An elderly man suffered life-threatening injuries when he was run over by an SUV during a road-rage confrontation in east Las Vegas, according to Metro Police.

The victim, described as being in his mid-70s, was taken to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in “extremely critical condition,” Lt. Ray Spencer said.

Police detained two people who were in the Chevrolet Suburban that struck the victim, Spencer said. It wasn’t clear if they were facing arrest or any charges. They fled the scene before a patrol officer stopped them, Spencer noted.

The incident, which was initially reported as a crash, unfolded about 2:20 p.m. on Desert Inn Road near Boulder Highway, Metro logs show. 

The victim, who was in a Jeep, honked at the SUV when its driver cut him off, Spencer said. 

Someone in the SUV got out and threw a can at the Jeep’s front windshield, causing the elderly man to exit the vehicle, Spencer said.

The dispute continued until the victim stood in front of the SUV, said Spencer, noting that that’s when the driver accelerated and struck him, making a U-turn over a median and taking off. 

The investigation shut down Desert Inn between Boulder Highway and Backstage Boulevard, and it remained closed this evening. 

Due to the severity of the injuries, Metro’s homicide unit took over the probe, said Spencer, advising motorists to “never get out of your vehicle in a road rage incident.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Metro at 702-828-3521 or via email at [email protected]. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555 or online at crimestoppesrofnv.com.