Suspected driver in custody after crash leaves 3 boys dead in east Las Vegas

A suspected driver is in Las Vegas police custody after a hit-and-run crash that killed three boys between the ages of 12 and 15 in the east valley Saturday night.

Police responded to reports of the crash about 9:10 p.m. near the intersection of Desert Inn and Theme roads, east of Nellis Boulevard, Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Peter Kisfalvi said.

All three boys died at the scene. A fourth boy, 13, was taken to a local hospital with major injuries and is expected to survive, Kisfalvi said. Two of the three boys killed appear to be related, possibly brothers, he said.

“These kids’ life got cut short when it hasn’t even begun yet,” Kisfalvi said, shaking.

The boys were on the south side of the street, walking east on the sidewalk when they were hit by the vehicle, Kisfalvi said.

Preliminary information indicates a driver police believe was trying to pass another car on the right shoulder of the road lost control, jumping the sidewalk, hitting the boys and “shearing” a light pole from its base, Kisfalvi said.

“Shaken up and distraught,” according to a witness account to police, the driver ran from the scene, jumping over a nearby wall and shedding clothing.

About 3 a.m., Kisfalvi said the driver was in custody. It wasn’t clear whether he was driving under the influence or hurt.

The Clark County coroner’s office will identify the boys killed once their families have been notified.

“This is just completely unnecessary,” Kisfalvi said.

Contact Mike Shoro at mshoro@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5290. Follow @mike_shoro on Twitter.