Third driver may have been involved in crash

Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004 | 8:45 a.m.

Metro Police now believe a third car may have contributed to a traffic crash Tuesday morning that left a Las Vegas woman with serious injuries.

About 7 a.m. Tuesday, a 1997 Chrysler Sebring driven by 19-year-old Estrella Guerrero swerved across a median on Fort Apache Road and collided with a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am traveling in the opposite direction. Guerrero's car then hit a curb and flipped over onto its roof. Guerrero was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected, police said.

Officers, relying on the statement of Loretta Barber, 48, the driver of the Pontiac, said a small silver car ran a stop sign at Mesa Vista Avenue and Fort Apache Road, forcing Guerrero to swerve to the left.

No further description on the silver car or its driver was available, Metro Detective Dennie Magill said. If caught, the driver could face felony charges if police can prove he or she knew a traffic accident occurred before speeding away, he said.

Otherwise the driver could be cited for failing to stop at the intersection, a misdemeanor, Magill said.

Guerrero was taken to University Medical Center, where she remained this afternoon. Barber was treated at UMC for minor injuries.

A definitive cause for the crash has not been determined, as detectives said Guerrero may have been speeding when it occurred, Magill said.

Anyone with information about the collision can call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.