Councilwoman victim in hit-and-run accident

Lisa Snedeker

Wednesday, June 16, 1999 | 11:24 a.m.

North Las Vegas Councilwoman Stephanie Smith was the victim of a hit-and-run accident Monday while jogging.

Smith said a small, dirty white truck hauling a long, flatbed trailer struck her with the trailer at the corner of Camino Eldorado and Tropical Parkway at about 5:45 a.m. She did not see the make of the truck or license plate number.

The first-term councilwoman and former assemblywoman described the truck's passenger as a man who smiled at her as the truck drove past with the windows down.

"I know they heard me because I was yelling and screaming, but they didn't stop," she said. "Also I was lying in the middle of the road. I was lucky I didn't get run over by the rest of the trailer."

Although Smith did not suffer any broken bones, the impact twisted her knee and inflicted bruises and cuts on her leg. "After the swelling goes down, I have to have my knee checked out by an orthopedic surgeon," she said.

Lt. Joe Forti, spokesman for the North Las Vegas Police Department, said there was a report taken and an investigation is ongoing.

If Smith had received substantial physical injuries, Forti said the perpetrator could face felony charges.

"Up to this point, it looks like they are facing a misdemeanor for leaving the scene of an accident," he said.

Forti asked that anyone with any information concerning the incident call 633-9111 and ask for the Traffic Bureau or call Secret Witness at 385-5555.