Nevada Hit-and-Run Suspect Who Killed 2 Highway Patrol Troopers Seen Drinking Before Crash

In the aftermath of a tragic hit-and-run incident claiming the lives of two Nevada Highway Patrol troopers, the accused driver, Jemarcus Williams, appeared in Las Vegas Justice Court, his set bail is at $500,000.

The court session unfolded following the early Thursday morning collision on Interstate 15, just north of downtown Las Vegas, where Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix lost their lives.

Williams, a 46-year-old bell captain and valet, faced the court on Friday morning to answer to charges stemming from the fatal crash.

Clark County prosecutor Shanon Clowers sought a $1 million bail, referencing video evidence indicating Williams' involvement in a drinking session at the Palms Casino Resort in the hours leading up to the incident.

Surveillance footage revealed Williams and another individual entering the Palms around 1 AM, ordering alcoholic beverages at the Ghost Bar.

Police documents obtained by 8 News Now Investigators detailed Williams' apparent intoxication, including instances of spilling drinks and using furniture for balance.

Hotel security intervened, escorting him out at 3:15 AM, moments before the fatal Nevada hit-and-run occurred.

Nevada Hit-and-Run

The tragic incident unfolded when two Nevada Highway Patrol troopers, Sgt. Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix, stopped to check on a seemingly sleeping driver along Interstate 15 around 3:23 AM, according to FOX News.

A white Chevrolet HHR, later identified as Williams' vehicle, collided with the troopers and fled the scene.

One trooper succumbed to injuries at the crash site, while the other passed away at UMC Trauma Hospital.

Approximately five hours after the incident, Las Vegas police located the unoccupied suspect's car in an apartment complex near J Street and Monroe Avenue, leading to the arrest of Jemarcus Williams.

Williams now faces charges of reckless driving resulting in death, driving under the influence resulting in death, and duty to stop at the scene of an accident involving death.

He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on Thursday at 9 AM, as per jail records.

The Nevada Highway Patrol Troopers

The Nevada Highway Patrol troopers, Sgt. Michael Abbate, who joined the agency in December 2013 and was recently promoted to sergeant, and Trooper Alberto Felix, a US Air Force veteran who joined in 2019, faced an untimely demise in the line of duty, per CBS News.

A poignant video released by the police department captured the solemn procession of the troopers' bodies, escorted by a motorcade of officers to the coroner's office.

State police spokesperson Kim Yoko Smith expressed profound sorrow, emphasizing Abbate and Felix's exceptional commitment and pride in serving the state.

"Our prayers are with the families and loved ones of our fallen Troopers," Smith said.

Governor Joe Lombardo extended condolences, recognizing the troopers' bravery, courage, and sacrifice, marking the loss as devastating for Nevada's law enforcement community and the entire state.

The aftermath of the crash resulted in the closure of sections of Nevada's busiest highway and numerous on-ramps, underscoring the gravity of the incident's impact on the community.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Two Nevada State Police troopers identified from fatal hit-and-run - From KTNV Channel 13 Las Vegas