One Dead, Dozens Injured After Car Crashes Into Pedestrians on Las Vegas Strip

Dec. 21--One person was killed and six were severely injured Sunday night after a car plowed into pedestrians on the bustling Las Vegas Strip, authorities said.

The crash is still under investigation, but it appears it was "intentional," Las Vegas Police Deputy Chief Brett Zimmerman said in a news conference.

The driver was taken into custody and tested to see whether she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The crash occurred about 6:30 p.m. near Paris Hotel & Casino and Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Resort & Casino on South Las Vegas Boulevard, according to the Clark County Fire Department.

A 1996 Oldsmobile sedan drove onto the sidewalk and mowed down pedestrians, returned to the roadway and drove back onto the sidewalk before fleeing the scene, Las Vegas police Lt. Dan McGrath said.

At least 36 people were injured in the crash, according to police and fire officials.

The identity of the person who died was not released.

After the crash, the woman driving the car with a 3-year-old passenger fled the scene and was taken into custody about a mile away near Tuscany Suites & Casino, police said. The 3-year-old was not harmed, police said.

The unidentified driver had recently moved to the Las Vegas area and her vehicle did not have a Nevada license plate, McGrath said.

Las Vegas Police Officer Jesse Roybal said the incident did not appear to be a terrorist act.

At the time of the crash, the Miss Universe pageant was being held in the Planet Hollywood hotel.

Police shut down Las Vegas Boulevard between Harmon Avenue and Flamingo Road while investigators canvassed the scene and emergency personnel treated the victims.

Investigators said security cameras from the cluster of nearby hotels and entertainment venues would aid in providing a complete picture of the incident.

In a statement, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval offered his condolences to victims of the "shocking and tragic event" and thanked emergency personnel and medical professionals for treating the wounded.

"The state stands ready to help and will provide any assistance needed to ensure the safety of our visitors and residents," Sandoval said.

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