Fire captain remains critical after crash

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2000 | 8:58 a.m.

A Las Vegas fire captain remained in critical condition Tuesday after being injured in a weekend auto accident and rescued by his own crew.

Captain Nathan Pechacek was so bloodied from his injuries that his crew members didn't recognize him. The captain was off duty at the time of the accident.

It was only after Pechacek, 40, was taken to University Medical Center that the crew members learned who he was, said Las Vegas Fire Department officials.

The fire captain's vehicle was struck Sunday night as he was driving on the city's west side, Metro Police said.

Dorin Geba, 33, of Las Vegas failed to brake at a stop sign and slammed into the side of Pechacek's vehicle, police said.

Geba suffered minor injuries in the crash and was arrested for felony driving under the influence of alcohol after she failed a field sobriety test.

Pechacek is being treated for numerous internal injuries sustained in the crash.

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