Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
Stumble
Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009 | 11:19 a.m.
Kevin Miranda
Fatal crash
UPDATED STORY: Woman, 24, killed in crash with suspected drunken driver ID’ed
An 18-year-old Las Vegas man was arrested in connection with driving under the influence this morning after a crash that left a 24-year-old woman dead.
Metro Police responded at 1:13 a.m. to the crash at the intersection of Rainbow Boulevard and Flamingo Road. Investigators said a Pontiac Sunfire was making a left turn from eastbound Flamingo to northbound Rainbow on a green traffic signal.
A Dodge pickup truck southbound on Rainbow then failed to stop for a red traffic signal, colliding with the left side of the Pontiac, police said.
The 24-year-old woman driving the Pontiac was taken to University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead, police said.
The driver of the pickup truck, Kevin Miranda, 18, of Las Vegas, wasn't injured. Police said he had consumed alcohol and failed a field sobriety test. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center in connection with two counts of felony DUI with alcohol.
A passenger in the pickup truck, a 17-year-old Las Vegas girl, was taken to UMC with minor injuries, police said
The victim's name hasn't been released. This is the 82nd fatal traffic collision this year in Metro Police jurisdiction.
Of course the drunk driver wasn't injured. Are they ever? They drive around on our streets killing innocent citizen's.
RIP to the 24 year old woman.
Why was a 17 year old out at 1am? Oh wait, I forgot... times have changed. Parent's don't care where their children are at that time of night.
18 years old and out at that time of night AND drunk AND driving!!! Something bad was bound to happen at some point in this guys life with those circumstances. I'm glad he's locked up now before he does anymore damage.
rejco100: No need to slam AA. If you read the literature - and I doubt you have - it never, ever says anything like what you have described. It says that while a person might not have control over their drinking, they DO have control over their recovery. It emphasizes PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY to do all that is necessary to not drink and to rebuild one's life, including making amends to others. It allows a wide range of beliefs about a higher power, but nowhere does it ever suggest that this higher power is like some magic fairy. Why don't you get some facts instead of speaking out of ignorance?
No wonder High Schoolers don't want to stick around this town nothing to look forward too but DUI's and prison time !
I really hope that he spends a long time in prison. A person may not have control over his/her drinking, but does have control on when to drink. If he had other DUI felonies before, it's obvious that he didn't have much control on his recovery, or simply didn't care. He must be locked away for a long time; and that's why under 21 drinking is not allowed.
For Christ's sake; I have taken that route before myself around that time going home from work. It could happen to anyone of us because of some irresponsible "child" that decided to go for a ride after getting drunk.
teASER U ARE he is ignorant about AA my brother and dad went thru it they been clean and sober over 15 years
The minimum sentence for all DUIs should be the death penalty. Scum that the world would be better off without and it might make these people think twice before doing it.
who gave the 18 year the alcohol then go after them also. there will be lawsuit but that will not bring back the victim. these last months there been so much death. it sad.
Anybody drinking needs to be responsible, be aware, DON'T DRIVE,another precious person's life was lost due to someone's stupidity, unfortunately in an unperfect world this tragic crash could have been easily avoided, by simily chosing NOT TO DRIVE. What an easy decision May G-d have Mercy
why can't these guys kill themselfs and not someone else......may he have a sweet boyfriend in prison
Go figure, the drunk was in a full sized truck. All the while, my wife drives a standard sedan. How about we ban full sized trucks that aren't used for commercial purposes? It seems that every jack ass in the valley feels the need to drive a massive monster truck and put everyone around them at risk.
Trust me Johnny, he will die a little bit every single day for the rest of his life. Guaranteed, that kind of guilt will never stop haunting him.
Isn't the Mayor concerned about deaths on Las Vegas streets. I have lived in Boston, NY and Miami. They all have drivers who should not behind a wheel. But not like here. It will take a member of the Mayor's
family to have a tragic accident before action is taken
Miranda, probably not insured either.
Noble surnames, such as miranda, evoke images of the ancient homeland of the Spanish people. The original bearer of the name miranda, which is a local surname, once lived, held land, or was born in the beautiful region of Spain. In Spain, Hereditary Surnames were adopted according to fairly general rules and during the late Middle Ages, names that were derived from localities became increasingly widespread. Local names originally denoted the proprietorship of the village or estate. Many Spanish local names reflect Arabic words or place-names because Spain was conquered by the Muslim Moors from the 8th to 12th centuries. The miranda family originally lived in one of the provinces of Oviedo, Lugo, Segovia, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife which is derived from the Spanish word marin, which means height or elevated position.
Hey DS, just becuase someone drives a full size truck doesn't make a difference. I feel for the victim and family. However narrow minded thoughts like that are too prevalent these days. Trucks whether full size or not, are anyone's right to drive as anything else. It's still America for now!!
She was a wonderful and kind person and I will miss her greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Rest in peace.
By Joelipp
Miranda, probably not insured either.
____________________________________________
Hey Jose surprised that your the only one that has made a racial based comment thus far, every other crime related story has people crawling all over the racial thing. At least you took the time to research your Spanish/American history.
_____________________________________________
Previous comment:
I meant on the criminals spanish surname Miranda,
(not the stereotype of not having insurance)
Hey Superrp7,
No disrespect intended, but when someone's personal choice puts everyone else at great risk, perhaps something should be done. Do you think the same amount of damage would have been done if it where a car? E=MC2
I absolutely agree with DS. Most people that drive full size lifted trucks drive like jerks. I do not know if it is because you have to have certain "I am too cool for laws" mentality to drive that kind of vehicle or what. They do not use blinkers, they drive too fast, and they do not come to complete stops at stop signs.
thanks, liberals.
once again your limp-wristed attitude toward crime has killed another person.
if people KNEW they were going to get life in prison for drunk driving, they'd never do it.
The person who sold or gave the alcohol to this minor is just as guilty as the 18 year old for this young woman's death. I hope the police catch them and the courts make an example out of them... life in prison would be justice.
Geezes, everyone on her sounds like they are a lynch mob.Its terrible this young women died, however, i still have compassion for the young man... He was only 18. Wasn't anyone else here 18. Was everyone so perfect at this age? He needs counseling, but to send him to prison for years will just create a monster when he gets out.
cwest79, you have got to be kidding me!
He should HANG. He had no regard for anyones safety. He is old enough to know what the possible consequences are by drinking and driving. The time has come to put these killers to death. You kill someone in the act of a crime you should be put to death. You had no regard for the victims right to life yours should be taken.
This 18 year old Miranda guy with no business drinking alcohol had just waived his "miranda rights" .. for killing an innocent commuter.
What is it going to take for US lawmakers of all government levels to EVER be willing to change drunk driving laws upon a ZERO TOLERANCE policy....
Laws within the United States should be -if caught driving a vehicle intoxicated with no accident -or if caught driving a vehicle intoxicated by causing an accident with property damage and no injuries - 25 years minimum.
-if caught driving a vehicle intoxicated with causing injury to anyone involved - minimum life sentence.
-if caught driving a vehicle intoxicated with causing a fatality to anyone involved - minimum death penalty.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey and others do not tolerate drunk driving and will sentence you to death if convicted.
Alcohol related incidents are the most senseless acts of society and is just a money making scheme for the american economy as lawmakers of all levels do not care about victims that get in the way :
Courts get rich with filing cases and assessing fines and confiscating property, hospitals make money by treating people involved in accidents or violent incidents that are alcohol related, governments get revenue for alcohol sales, any property damage that gets replaced is taxed and businesses profit from selling more items that get replaced.
And very unfortunate for a funeral agency to also profit and prepare to process a 24 year old victim that got killed by a senseless drunk driver (especially an underaged one).
This country needs better control and regulation on alcohol sales too - enforce any licensed alcohol store to personally deliver a limited amount of alcohol to a legal aged customer's home (as a customer prepays and orders alcohol from an authorized licensed dealer with a valid ID) and make it strictly a courier service to deliver the alcohol to the paying customer's home (while the same purchaser showing their legal ID again in order to recieve the alcohol).
No transporting alcohol of anykind unless you are a licensed courier, and any unlicensed person caught transporting alcohol will face 25 years minimum.
Any alcohol licensed establishment like bars, clubs, and casinos will provide transportation to and from their local destination for any patron (for a fee) of course - that's what taxis are for.
People can still drink all they want with these more strict guidelines, without operating a vehicle..but yeah they're gonna pay a lot for transportation if they want to drink away from their home bad enough.. or face losing their freedom and life if these rules were ever in place - plus its even cheaper in the long run for the drinker than paying fines and restitution, losing your property or damaging it, while easing the hospital load by 10 percent.
Just think, around 50 percent of all traffic accidents in the United States are alcohol related, and if these guidelines were in place... their would be many lives saved and less property damage while making roads and highways much safer.
However the US government wants things to remain the way they are.
Another sh*tbag driver kills another innocent person in the city. Inconsiderate, irresponsible, ignorant people destroying lives and families once again...
You guys got everything figured out huh? This is a sad story all the way around. RIP
aksilvereagle,sounds like you need a martini. The problem is we don't get enough practice driving when we are drunk. If this happen everybody would be better driver with alcohol in their system. JUST KIDDING PEOPLE. ALCOHOL AND DRIVING = NO NO.
This kid should get an automatic 20 year prison sentence , to be considered for parole only after that stretch, and he completes rehab and pays restitution to that poor girl's family.
Could these crimes be connected. The man in NLV could pass for a comrade of a middle-eastern country.
It's amazing, I didn't know we had so many perfect people living in Vegas. Not one of them ever made a mistake in their life! If you think you know where your kids are and what they are doing at all times... YOU are an idiot! I hate to tell you but you don't! You assume because he had a Dodge truck that he is spoiled, not one of you have had a job at 18? Could it be possible that he worked and bought his own truck? And everyone is making it out to be a monster truck, well if they stopped selling those little nuisance cars and everyone drove something well built that could survive a crash there would be less fatalities, I'm not blaming the victim, I'm showing you how stupid that other person's comment was. Also, since you have all seemed to forget what it was like when you were 18, teenagers are creative, they will find a way to purchase or at the very least get their hands on alcohol with or with out an adults help! He was driving, he made the bad choices and he now has to spend the rest of his life knowing he killed a young woman. I'm not saying they should take it easy on him by any means, don't do the crime if you cant do the time!But to all of you perfect people that want to outlaw full size trucks and you are probably the same people crying about Obama giving government too much control over our lives when it comes to health care or helping people hurt by the current economy, you are all controlling idiots that just want everyone else to conform to their idea's and belief's but still want to live in a free country, IDIOTS! I think there should be a law against little cars! I think there should be a law against free speech because you idiots have gotten away from the fact that several lives changed that night, my heart goes out to everyone effected by this one person's bad judgment, his family and his victim and her family. I agree with "Seriously", "Another sh*tbag driver kills another innocent person in the city. Inconsiderate, irresponsible, ignorant people destroying lives and families once again..." It appears everyone in Vegas feels they deserve more than anyone else and drunk or sober, Vegas has the worst drivers, they have no regard for anyone else on the road, truck, motorcycle or Prius! Instead of sitting here passing judgment, go to jury duty when called and vote! Actually get off your high horse and do something productive!
The person who sold or gave the alcohol to this minor is just as guilty as the 18 year old for this young woman's death. I hope the police catch them and the courts make an example out of them... life in prison would be justice.
THe victim's family will surely go after who gave this punk loser the booze. My guess - he was at a private party. The 17 year old is going to sing like a canary to the cops and to her parents since she is grounded until she is 21.
alwyscurious
You got teenagers? I hope not since you obviously would just tell themn "hey, go have a few beers with your friends and if you kill someone with that truck you bought with your own money and pay the insurance on - heck, don't worry - everyone makes mistakes".
Of course, we all made mistakes as teenagers...But we DIDN'T COMMIT MURDER!!
These criminals aren't the problem with society. It's all you whiny @$$ b!tChe$ that always think the criminals are victims.
Under age drinking should be taken way more seriously. If caught drinking under age that should mean immediate loss of drivers license for 5 years. NO exceptions. Causing death due to drunk driving should mean 20 years mimimum. Add another 5 for the underage charge. (I think the excessive speeding charge the other day deserves a similar sentence). If you want to drink and are of age, fine, it's legal. But drinking and driving should be ZERO tolerance.
All my best to the family of the girl.
Parents of the drunk should be ashamed of themselves. I imagine the 17 year old was drinking with him too.
wheres all the white racist statement?I guess that means white people are the only one's that's racist!
Comment removed by moderator. Offensive language.
I knew Angela. She was a bright and ambitious young woman, who really wanted to change the world. She was extremely determined and her life was TRAGICALLY cut short.
For all those who knew her, she was a wonderful and kind person, always smiling and a friend to many. She was a student at UNLV, and was always inspired by her studies in Anthropology.
We are planning on hold a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night, 7pm, on the intersection of Flamingo and Rainbow, at the sight of the crash. Please show your support and join us in remembrance of Angela (our Angie) Peterson. We will miss our own ray of sunshine.
Bakersfield
I agree. ALL drivers caught driving drunk should be given harsh sentences and fines. If someone has a gun and kills someone - do they just get probation and a fine? No. They go to prison. A car is considered a lethal weapon regardless if you are driving it sober or drunk but the laws are too lenient. It is such a huge problem everywhere in this country and it does vary state to state on what laws there are. I They should treat drunk driving the same as murder. Take away that ridiculous "vehicular manslaughter" definition. Oh yeah - screw the "first offense" crap, too. You kill someone while behind the wheel - start buying your soap on teh rope because you're going to prison for a long time.
Huh its Jordan Farmar?
After reading the comments...Wooow!!! I'm going to take a wild guess and say NOT ONE OF YOU know the young man. All you know (or think you know) is the situation that the media is putting out there. Therefore you weren't there...so you don't know what happened! But I will say this: NOT EVERYONE IS PERFECT! EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES! I'm sure all of you were 18 at one time, made bad decisions, and I'M SURE EVERYONE HAS AT ONE POINT IN THEIR LIFE DROVE AFTER DRINKING! I'm not from Las Vegas, but I do know this isn't a rare situation. This happens all over, all the time (especially in Las Vegas, this is what the 82nd incident?!) And just because he happens to be underage, of course the spotlight is going to be on him. Sit back and think..."What if this was my son/brother/grandson/nephew/cousin??" I'm sure none of you would appreciate any of the things that are being said. So to put a positive note on the tragic situation...Sorry for the loss of the young woman, your family is in our prayers and thoughts!!!
And for that last comment, I repeat....
Of course, we all made mistakes as teenagers...But we DIDN'T COMMIT MURDER!!
These criminals aren't the problem with society. It's all you whiny @$$ b!tChe$ that always think the criminals are victims.
We don't need to "know" him. If the fact is that he killed someone while drinking and driving, then that's all we need or care to know. Screw him or whatever his "situation or issues" are.
I don't remember killing anyone when I was 18.
I'm glad I don't know him. He obviously didn't care about the safety of his passenger. If I did know him, if he was family even, I would disown him.
He was drunk, he was speeding, he blew a red light, he killed an innocent girl, he didn't care, he was still drunk, he laughed and joked afterward. Yeah, he deserves everything that's being said about him. And in my mind, he deserves to burn. I hope God agrees.
CSandov, your comment is so full of fail, it gave me a nosebleed. Please get off my internet.
CSandov... what if the one killed was your sister/mom/friend?? then you would want justice, I DON'T NEED TO KNOW HIM. and not everyone has gotten behind the wheel drunk, and if you think they have it just shows how much care you have for peoples lives. have a little compassion for the VICTIM! I want to know if this kid has any idea what he has taken from the victims family. he should also be charged with endangering a minor (his passenger).
Angie was a friend of mine, though she was closer to another friend whose name will not be mentioned out of respect. I cannot for the life of me understand why an eighteen year old would go against a well known law "No drinking under 18", get drunk from Jack Daniels, then drive while intoxicated with a minor passenger.
I suppose from what some of you are saying here, "He made a mistake!" believe that he had no idea about the law? I call absolute bluff on this. He knew the law. He didn't care. And don't tell me someone forced him, because I'll just laugh at that.
All of us make mistakes, yes. He made no mistake. He allegedly chose to drink, knowing full well the consequences of his actions. For goodness sake, they teach you these things in Driver's ED, Police officers go to your school to speak about it, there are warning labels out there that stress very plainly the dangers of drunk driving.
He was ignorant of these rules, and had no respect for Angie's life, his own, or even the 17 year old girl who was with him. And some of you still cry out, "You don't know him!"
Let's suppose that this same person was drunk and walking your neighborhood with a loaded gun. And suddenly he sees a relative or a friend of yours, and kills them with the gun. Are you still going to say he made a mistake?
The last I knew, nobody forces a gun to someone's head to get to them to drink unless they were planning to murder that person. And since the drunk driver laughed about what he did, I find it hard to believe this was a mistake.
Because of his crime, the only child of the Peterson family is now forever gone. Put yourself in their shoes. You may say you feel for the family, but the way some of you are saying we shouldn't judge the young man, I highly disagree you feel any sympathy toward Angie's family and her friends. It's a shame. A real shame.