On Friday in Las Vegas, a local bus driver is suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) after allegedly running a red light and hitting a man on a bicycle. The bicyclist tragically died from his injuries.
The driver, identified as 46-year-old Johnelle Johnson, is scheduled to appear in Las Vegas Justice Court on Saturday on DUI and traffic charges. Following the crash, Johnson was booked at the Clark County Detention Center and remained in custody as of early Saturday.
The victim, a 33-year-old man, has not been identified. The Clark County coroner’s office will confirm his identity and notify his family. His body will likely undergo an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
The fatal crash occurred at around 2:56 p.m. near the intersection of East Tropicana Avenue and South Nellis Boulevard in southwestern Las Vegas. Johnson, driving an RTC bus eastbound, collided with the bicyclist, who was riding a BMX-style bicycle. Despite the crash, none of the bus passengers were injured.
When Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers arrived at the scene, they noticed that Johnson was showing signs of intoxication. It is unclear if Johnson was given a field sobriety test or tested for the presence of other substances.
The LVMPD’s Collision Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate the deadly crash. This marks the 133rd traffic fatality investigated by the LVMPD so far this year.
Johnson is employed by the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada, which provides public bus service for Las Vegas. It is unknown if Johnson has been placed on leave by the RTC following the accident. Casino.org reached out to the RTC for comment, but no immediate statement was provided.
