Police still investigating deadly crosswalk crash

Charges against a 78-year-old woman have not been filed as North Las Vegas police continue to investigate the Friday crosswalk crash that killed one girl and severely injured two others, police said.

The investigation could take weeks as officials wait to receive the driver's toxicology results and look further into details at the scene on Camino Eldorado near Tropical Parkway, Sgt. Tim Bedwell said.

Bedwell would not speculate but said the death of 6-year-old Amelia "Mia" Decker on Monday could affect the severity of potential charges the driver might face.

Alyssa Mowery, 6, remains hospitalized at University Medical Center in critical condition. Her 5-year-old sister, Rain Mowery, was treated for a fractured skull and released Sunday. The two 13-year-old girls who were walking behind the younger children were not injured.

Police would not release the driver's identity, stating it is the department's practice to withhold names unless someone is charged or arrested, Bedwell said. Although the driver in Friday's crash failed to stop at a crosswalk, a citation has not been issued.

Despite debate about the crosswalk's visibility, another vehicle stopped at the intersection should have been an indication that somebody was crossing the street, Bedwell said.

"We see this violation every day," he said.

Nevada law requires drivers to stop or slow down if another vehicle is stopped in a travel lane until they can determine whether that vehicle has halted for a pedestrian. The law also states that a crosswalk exists at any intersection, whether or not it is marked.

Five children entered a marked crosswalk near Eldorado Park about 6:45 p.m. Friday after a vehicle in the lane closest to them halted. The 78-year-old woman traveling in the outer lane did not stop and crashed into the three youngest children in the group. Preliminary investigations show the woman was probably driving no faster than 35 mph, the posted speed limit.

After impact, the woman continued driving for about 60 yards, carrying one of the girls on her hood until she stopped the car, ejecting the child, Bedwell said. Another child was either dragged or carried on the car for at least part of that distance, but police said complete details were not yet clear.

Contact reporter Jessica Fryman at jfryman@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0264.