LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Nevada Department of Corrections officer is recovering in a Las Vegas hospital after he was hit by an alleged wrong-way DUI driver on US 95 near Kyle Canyon.
Lt. Jonathan Rivera was on his way to work at the High Desert prison when he was hit by the wrong-way driver. He was seriously injured in the head-on collision and was airlifted from the scene to a hospital.
“He is a great brother, son and father and has suffered many injuries,” his sister-in-law María Alcaraz shared exclusively with 8 News Now.
Rivera is coherent, but Alcaraz says they still don’t know when he will be able to return home.
“He is still in the hospital and still recovering, but he can talk now,” Alcaraz shared.
The alleged driver of Rivera’s vehicle was identified as Donovan Garcia Moreno, 31, who is in custody and faces charges of DUI and reckless driving.
According to an arrest report, Moreno was sitting in the center median about five feet away from his car when police arrived. His face was covered in blood, he smelled of alcohol and his eyes were red and watery.
Moreno initially told officers he took a Lyft after going out with some friends and having a few beers.
He then told police he was a pedestrian on the freeway and was hit while jumping out of the way, but a records check confirmed to police that the vehicle was registered to him. Investigators also reported that Moreno had bruises on his seat belt consistent with someone in the driver’s seat.
A criminal history report for Moreno also showed two prior DUI arrests, this being the third.
Alcaraz saw firsthand how dangerous the roads in our valley are and is grateful her brother-in-law survived.
Allegedly wrong-way, DUI driver in crash on US 95 that left corrections officer injured told cops ‘people die every day’
“It’s very frustrating to see this keep happening and honestly it shouldn’t have happened. People need to stop drinking and driving because there are a lot of victims out there. “It is a miracle that my brother-in-law is alive today,” Alcaraz told 8 News Now.
The Rivera family has created a GoFundMe to help with medical bills if you would like to donate.
Moreno was also taken to the hospital for minor injuries after the accident. According to the police report, Moreno did not show any remorse when he discovered that he had hurt someone. He is currently being held at the Clark County Detention Center without bond.
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