LVMPD Explorer killed by suspected impaired driver
LAS VEGAS -- A Las Vegas Metro Police
Department Explorer died on Thursday night
after being struck by a suspected impaired
driver.
According to witness statements and
evidence at the scene, LVMPD Explorer Angel
Velasquez, 19, was traveling east on Sahara
Avenue on a 2013 Honda Motorcycle when
the driver of a 2013 Volkswagen struck him
as he was approaching Van Patten Street.
Velasquez later died at Sunrise Hospital of
his injuries.
Police have arrested 29-year-old Jvon
Williams, the driver of the vehicle.
Williams was booked for DUI and Duty to
Stop at Scene of an Accident. Williams' prior
arrests include a DUI and reckless driving in
2007 and 2008.
Velasquez became an Explorer at 16-years
old, learning everything he could about the
police department he hoped to one-day join.
After three months as an Explorer, he tested
for Captain, scoring a 98 percent.
"He was an energizing leader," said Officer
Krista Bullard, his Explorer advisor. "He was
our go-to guy."
Bullard said Velasquez went on two ride-a-
longs a week because he loved learning
about law enforcement. Velasquez was a
Criminal Justice student at the College of
Southern Nevada and helped at many Las
Vegas Metropolitan Police Department events
such as the Southern Nevada Law
Enforcement Memorial, commendations
ceremonies and most recently the funeral of
Officer David VanBuskirk.
Velasquez was dedicated to helping his
family, giving half his paycheck to help out
with expenses.
Fellow Explorers are holding a car wash
fundraiser tomorrow, August 3 at Brake
Masters on Windmill and Eastern 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. to help with funeral expenses.
A bank fund is also being set up in Velasquez'
name. For more information go to
www.lvmpdexplorers.com .
