LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A North Las Vegas police officer is recovering after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on Interstate 15 Monday night.
The crash occurred just after 8:30 p.m. near the Washington Avenue off-ramp. According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the officer was traveling southbound along I-15 when a driver hit his motorcycle before fleeing.
KVVU reports that the officer’s injuries were not life-threatening.
On Tuesday, fellow North Las Vegas officers thanked a good Samaritan who stopped to help the injured officer.
Miles Farlow is a radio personality at KCEP FM 88.1 in Las Vegas. On Monday night, Farlow was driving along that stretch of I-15 when he witnessed the car in front of his swerve and hit the motorcycle officer.
“Subsequently, the officer went flying at least 30 yards, 90 feet,” Farlow said.
Farlow said that after being ejected from his bike, the officer’s head hit the concrete barrier wall. When he saw the officer’s lifeless body, Farlow knew he had to help.
Farlow calmed the 45-year-old, 18-year veteran of the department until help arrived.
“I wasn’t really scared. I wasn’t worried about anything besides getting him safe because he can’t help. It was the whole survival, humanity thing that came into play because I’m big on humans helping,” Farlow said.
Farlow wasn’t the only person who stopped to help. Michael Gutierrez rendered aid as well.
“I began to pray for him. He squeezed my hand, and we just tried to make sure he was OK,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez said he and his girlfriend saw the officer drive past them before the crash. Like Barlow, Gutierrez didn’t hesitate to stop and help.
Farlow said he doesn’t consider himself a hero. He was just doing what anyone should do in the situation.
“It hurts, and it’s shocking to realize there are so few people in this world that will actually do that, that will actually put their life on the line to help another life,” he said.
Witnesses described the vehicle that struck the officer as a four-door sedan. It may be green.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Nevada Highway Patrol at 702-432-5293.
