South Las Vegas community reacts to fatal racing-related crash
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Workers were outside on a smoke break near E. Silverado Ranch Boulevard and Bermuda Road when they heard a car crash that left one person dead and two injured.
A witness to the Wednesday morning crash who did not wish to be identified said they saw the workers run to the scene and attempt to help before police arrived around 1:40 a.m. at the intersection.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Capt. Jeff Coday said the two vehicles involved had left a neighborhood bar and were racing. Coday called the incident “another preventable crash.”
Eastbound Silverado was closed for several hours east of Bermuda for the investigation and due to debris in the road, according to police.
“I live close, and usually by nighttime, I’ll hear high screeching noises, and it sounds like racing,” Mikito “Mickey” Saarna, a Las Vegas resident, said. “I’ve never seen it, but I always hear it.”
Saarna did not witness the Wednesday morning crash but said he had seen erratic driving in the community.
“I have lived in different parts of the country, and I would definitely say yes, there can be some aggressive behavior around here,” he said.
Police identified the two drivers involved in the alleged racing incident as Jonathan Gallagher, 24, and Melissa Dettlaff, 26. Both are facing a charge of reckless driving and participation in and/or organizing a speeding contest. Detlaff is charged with one count of DUI resulting in death.
According to court documents, Gallagher posted bond Wednesday, and Detlaff made her 9:00 a.m. appearance in court.
Detlaff is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning.
The death in this crash marks the 28th traffic-related fatality for LVMPD in 2024.
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