Man killed after suspected robbery, kidnapping leads to crash in west Las Vegas, police say

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Las Vegas police are investigating a deadly crash tied to a suspected robbery and kidnapping in the west valley late Friday morning. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded around 10:59 a.m. to reports of a crash with injuries near the 4400 block of West Charleston Boulevard. When first responders arrived, they found two vehicles involved: a black Hyundai Sonata and a silver minivan. Police said the Hyundai had two occupants. The driver suffered minor injuries, while the passenger was critically hurt and taken to a hospital, where he later died. The minivan also had two people inside. The driver had minor injuries, and the passenger was not hurt, though both were taken to the hospital as a precaution. Investigators say the crash stemmed from a robbery and kidnapping that began in a nearby shopping center parking lot. Police said the victim had been sleeping in the passenger seat of the Hyundai while the vehicle was still running. A suspect then entered the unlocked driver’s side door and drove off at a high rate of speed, with the victim still inside. The stolen car eventually rear-ended the minivan, causing it to spin. The Hyundai continued through the intersection of Charleston and Essex, crashing into a boulder and a pole. Police believe the suspect and victim did not know each other and described the incident as a “crime of opportunity.” The victim, a man in his 30s, died from his injuries. The suspect, believed to be in his 50s, is in custody and is expected to face open murder charges, according to police. Authorities also confirmed the vehicle had been taken from a Walmart parking lot while a family member of the victim was inside the store. The investigation remains ongoing.