LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A woman said she hit a coyote while driving in a crash that killed a Las Vegas father, documents say.
FOX5 obtained the arrest report for Karen Cannon, 63. She faces charges of reckless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a crash and destroying or concealing evidence.
The crash happened Tuesday, May 13 at Rainbow Boulevard and Vegas Drive. 33-year-old Patrick Deloriea died, police revealed. He leaves behind his son, Mason, and wife Rebecca Hahn.
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When officers arrived at the crash site, there were broken car parts that matched the description of a black Tesla Model Y. Police said the vehicle was last seen near Washington and Vegas Drive. The vehicle was registered nearby, according to police.
Officers tried to contact the owner at her home but had no luck. Metro left their contact information with one of her neighbors.
On May 20, seven days after the crash, AAA contacted Metro about a claim made by Karen Cannon. AAA said the vehicle was at a Las Vegas auto body shop.
Cannon told the shop owner and manager, according to an interview, that she hit a coyote while driving back from California.
Metro obtained a search warrant and impounded the vehicle.
The next day, Metro received a call from 4-Aces Body Shop. The owner contacted police after seeing news stories about the Tesla and grew worried after seeing Metro with the vehicle.
Ken Kittle told police the vehicle was towed to his business a few days ago, and he still had the front left fender. After getting in contact with Kittle, Metro was able to find the towing company.
According to the arrest report, Cannon told the tow company she hit a coyote.
Metro would also obtain the phone call Cannon made to AAA. In the call, she admitted to driving a Tesla near Rainbow and Washington day of the crash. She said she dropped off a friend and felt she had hit something, but didn’t see anything around and drove home.
Cannon did not contact police from the day of the crash to when she called AAA. While making her claim, she said she was advised to get in contact with a lawyer, but wanted to ask AAA first.
According to tests, Metro learned Deloriea was hit at 66.3 mph. The speed limit at the crash site was 35 mph.
Cannon appeared in court on Tuesday. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 24.
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