Saturday, March 14, 2009 | 12:53 p.m.
Fatal crash
UPDATED STORY: Bicyclist killed in crash with suspected DUI driver identified
A 32-year-old suspected drunken driver struck and killed a bicyclist on the Las Vegas Strip on Saturday morning and was arrested moments later after leaving the scene of the crash, Metro Police said.
Melodie McLallen, of Las Vegas, was charged with felony DUI with death and felony hit and run.
McLallen was driving a 2002 Chevy Avalanche in the southbound right lane of Las Vegas Boulevard, south of Russell Road, at about 6:44 a.m. when she struck the bicyclist, who also was southbound in the right lane, authorities said. He was thrown from his bike after being struck from behind, went into the vehicle's windshield, then fell to the ground.
The bicyclist, a 55-year-old Las Vegas man, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. His name wasn't being released Saturday afternoon.
McLallen left the scene of the accident but was arrested minutes later at Las Vegas Boulevard and Interstate 215, police said. She was taken to University Medical Center with minor injuries, then was arrested.
The crash remains under investigation. McLallen is being held in the Clark County Detention Center.
This is the 17th traffic-related fatality in Metro Police's jurisdiction this year.
Correction: This story was changed to correct the age of Melodie McLallen. Metro Police initially released an incorrect age.
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