Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009 | 5:58 p.m.
Two truck drivers have been charged in a devastating hit-and-run accident last year on Interstate 15 that killed two pedestrians -- a couple on their honeymoon.
Following a lengthy investigation, Stanislaw Masalski has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident and Sam Montalvo Martinez with leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident and failure to maintain a travel lane. The hometowns and addresses of the defendants were not listed in court papers.
Their preliminary hearing is at 10 a.m. on March 26 at Las Vegas Justice Court, court records showed this week.
Kevin Edward Hills, 38, and Lisa Lynne Prock-Hills, 41, were killed on Interstate 15 just south of Silverado Ranch Boulevard on March 13, 2008.
The couple was on the side of the road at approximately 5 a.m. trying to change a flat tire on their black Toyota Tacoma pickup.
According to Nevada Highway Patrol reports, Prock-Hills was standing in a northbound travel lane and Hills was on his hands and knees -- with his body partially in the same lane -- trying to repair the flat tire.
Investigators determined that Masalski, who was driving a semi-truck, hit Prock-Hills and then Hills.
Investigators also said that Martinez, who was driving another semi-truck behind Masalski, veered to the right -- striking the left side of the Toyota and running over the couple.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene and the accident resulted in a seven-hour closure of northbound Interstate 15 from St. Rose Parkway to Silverado Ranch Boulevard so investigators could document the scene and so it could be cleaned up.
Masalski told police that he thought he had hit a bump in the road. After seeing nothing in his rear view mirror, he continued northbound on Interstate 15.
When Masalski pulled over at a truck stop near Las Vegas Boulevard and Cheyenne Avenue, he discovered a woman’s black high-heel shoe behind the truck’s cab and other indications he had hit someone on the right side of the truck, court records show.
He then called police and the shoe was later matched with another shoe found at the accident scene.
Martinez told police he thought he ran over a pothole and continued driving.
Debris was found at the accident scene that matched the truck Martinez was driving, but Martinez told NHP investigators he did not know how those pieces ended up at the scene.
An attorney for the defendants could not immediately be reached for comment.
If these guys are at all representative of the truck drivers on the roads these days, we're in deep trouble. I guess a "pothole" test needs to be added to the commercial licensing process. If you can't tell the difference between a human body and a pothole, you shouldn't be behind the wheel. Any wheel.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved. Another senseless tragedy that could've been prevented. A huge lesson to be learned here too. If your car breaks down and it's still in a travel lane, wait for a cop to show up and give assistance before trying to do it yourself. Don't take anything on the highway for granted. Always err on the side of caution.
Digital cameras cost almost nothing these days. Why not require truckers mount a camera that send video in real time to DMV over the digital cell data networks? I bet truckers would be better drivers knowing that data was going out.
Sadly, these two drivers are not fair representatives of "Truck Drivers". I believe they both knew exactly what happened, especially the second driver. The first driver was not paying attention, but the second driver had even more notice and yet he reportedly "swerved to the right" striking both the vehicle and running over the couple. He infact should possibly be charged with manslaughter. He also kept driving while the first driver having pulled over at a truck stop noticed the shoe and notified authorities.
I investigate auto accidents for insurance companies. My experience has reflected that Truck Drivers are extremely considerate and careful. Unfortuneatly, it only takes one or two to give the whole industry a bad name.
I've experienced the same type of mishaps we all do with large trucks when on the road. There are a few drivers with emotional/personality problems that shouldn't be behind the wheel of any vehicle, let alone a truck.
This is extremely sad. The families must be devastated as I know I would be. Yes, it again teaches us not to take chances when on a freeway or busy interstate. But this should reflect on the two men involved, not on the industry.
Sadly is has been almost 2 years since our beloved Kevin and Lisa were killed. I received the call the day after.....and that day was the hardest, saddest and worst day of my life.....I had to go home and tell my son, Kevin's son.....his father was dead, he had been killed. I collapsed at work upon receiving the call from grandpa (Kevin's dad) and had to be driven home by a co-worker....it was surreal....I felt like I was in a nightmare.....Kevin and I, though no longer together, were close friends. I loved him and I always will. He was stepson to my oldest child as well since he was 3 years old. His death was a blow to us....this earth has not been the same with out him here. We miss him sooooo much. Those men....not even one I'm sorry??? Not a care?? Nothing?? It has been unbelievable....the bologne! We are still in court over all this. Our hearts are broken, we miss Kev...the whole family does. We will always have him in our hearts.....and one day we will see him again in heaven. We Love You Kevin! Thank you to all of you who were a witness, who helped, who prayed for us....who cared, May God Bless You Always.