LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Two Nevada State Police troopers are dead after they were hit by a car on Interstate 15 at Washington Avenue on Thursday morning, according to state police.
Authorities say the troopers were helping a motorist who'd stopped on the freeway when they were hit by a vehicle.
As of 11 a.m. Thursday, law enforcement sources confirmed an arrest was made in connection with the killings.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is leading the investigation. Officials were expected to provide updates on the case in a press conference at 12 p.m.
"Our prayers are with the families and loved ones of our fallen Troopers," Nevada State Police said in a statement.
We are deeply saddened to report that 2 Nevada State Troopers conducting a motorist assist earlier this morning in Las Vegas were struck by a vehicle and have been confirmed deceased. The investigation is currently on-going and being conducted by LVMPD.
— Nevada State Police (@NVStatePolice) November 30, 2023
Law enforcement procession
State and local law enforcement escorted the bodies of the two state troopers in a procession along I-15 starting at about 8:30 a.m.. The route started at Washington Avenue, went south to Charleston Boulevard, and ended at the Clark County Coroner's office.
Officers arriving at the office could be seen hugging each other and saluting the fallen troopers as they were brought to the coroner.
Traffic closures
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, all northbound lanes of I-15 were closed from Charleston Boulevard to Washington Ave. Law enforcement also shut down the ramps from U.S. 95 to northbound I-15.
Traffic in and around the Spaghetti Bowl was heavily impacted and drivers were advised to expect delays or use an alternate route through the area.
Community reactions
State and local leaders sent their condolences to Nevada State Police on social media in response to the news of the troopers' deaths.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo issued a statement calling the troopers' deaths "a devastating loss for Nevada law enforcement, the city of Las Vegas, and our entire state."
“I’m profoundly saddened by the deaths of two of our brave Nevada State Troopers, who were killed early this morning in Las Vegas. This is a devastating loss for Nevada law enforcement, the city of Las Vegas, and our entire state. As we mourn these troopers, we will never forget their bravery, courage, and sacrifice.”
Las Vegas Mayor Carol Goodman called the collision "a senseless and tragic loss of two loyal Nevada State Troopers" and extended her condolences to their families.
What a senseless and tragic loss of two loyal Nevada State Troopers. Our prayers and deepest sympathies to all who knew them, admired them, and were grateful to them. Our condolences to their families and close friends in our entire community. https://t.co/kyMPpboJ2T
— Carolyn G. Goodman (@mayoroflasvegas) November 30, 2023
Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft described the deaths as "absolutely devastating."
"My heart and thoughts are with our troopers, their families, and loved ones," Naft wrote in a social media post.
This is absolutely devastating for our @NVStatePolice family and the entire community. My heart and thoughts are with our troopers, their families, and loved ones. May their memory be a blessing. https://t.co/VhynSq7ves
— Michael Naft (@MichaelNaft) November 30, 2023
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto wrote that she and her husband were "heartbroken to hear that two Troopers were tragically killed in the line of duty today."
Paul and I are heartbroken to hear that two Troopers were tragically killed in the line of duty today. We are keeping their families and fellow troopers in our thoughts today, and thank them for their service and sacrifice to our Las Vegas community.
— Senator Cortez Masto (@SenCortezMasto) November 30, 2023
Channel 13 will provide additional updates as more details become available.
