Reward offered for information in fatal DUI crash

By Jinae West

Friday, July 10, 2009 | 2:54 p.m.

Members of STOP DUI and Crime Stoppers said today the groups are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man who has been charged with driving under the influence in the March death of a motorcyclist near Tropicana Avenue and Interstate 515.

On March 14, Carlos A. Henriquez, 52, of Las Vegas, was arrested and charged with felony DUI with death, felony hit and run involving death, unsafe lane change and having an open container in his vehicle, according to records from the Clark County Detention Center.

The charges stem from the death of motorcyclist James Corrao, 53, who Metro Police say was killed when Henriquez's pickup truck, traveling westbound on Tropicana Avenue, turned left onto Titanium Avenue and struck Corrao during the turn.

Henriquez tried to leave the scene of the wreck but was detained about a block away, where his vehicle struck a fence, police said.

Corrao's wife, Deborah, was driving on a separate motorcycle. She laid her bike down to avoid the crash and suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to Sunrise Hospital for treatment. James Corrao was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Sandy Heverly, executive director of STOP DUI, said Henriquez was released 72 hours after his arrest and was issued a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM). Heverly said the device does not have a GPS tracking feature and should not be used in these types of situations.

Heverly was one of several people who spoke today at a news conference at the Academy of Human Development, 235 N. Eastern Ave.

"This is not a house arrest device," she said. "This is simply a bracelet that goes around the ankle that measures the alcohol in your system."

Henriquez failed to appear at his court hearing on April 17. He was last seen April 11.

Detective Sean Lethbridge said police took two blood samples from Henriquez at the time of his arrest, measuring at a level of .22 and .19, respectively. The legal blood alcohol limit in Nevada is .08.

Heverly said this is the first time the organization, which bills itself as dedicated to stopping the crime of driving under the influence, has offered a cash reward for a DUI fugitive.

"It may be the first time," she said, "but it may not be the last."

She added the money might help to "sweeten the incentive" for people who might have information regarding Henriquez's whereabouts to come forward.

Arcadio Bolanos, who works at the Academy of Human Development and is helping to spread the word to the Spanish-speaking community, said he hopes justice will come swiftly.

"We are going to send a message today," he said, "that no matter where you're from, no matter what language you speak, no matter what your accent is, no matter what you look like, the right thing is done, and it's going to be done starting today."

Other speakers at the press conference included Mike Hope, director of Crime Stoppers; Heidi Harris, KDWN radio host and board member of Crime Stoppers; and Assemblyman Mark Manendo (D-Las Vegas).

Friends and family of James Carrao were also in attendance.

Deborah Carrao said they would have been married for 25 years in May and had plans to renew their vows. She said most people knew her husband by his nickname "Wolf." She said he rode in a Christian motorcycle club called "Soldiers for Jesus" and loved to play pranks.

"He just loved to make people happy, make them laugh," she said. "He would mess with people all the time just to get them to laugh. He had a special aura about him. He was a special man."

STOP DUI and Crime Stoppers will partner again Saturday between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. to pass out 2,000 fliers that have Henriquez's mug shot and physical description at the intersection of Tropicana and Titanium avenues and welcome anyone who would like to help.

Anyone with more information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555 or STOP DUI at 456-7867.