LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said a driver accused of driving the wrong way and crashing into five people at a bus stop was convinced she made a full U-turn rather than driving on the wrong side of the road.
Cynthia Phelps, 64, faces reckless driving and DUI-related charges after the crash on Wednesday night on Boulder Highway near Dalhart Street. According to LVMPD, Phelps ran off the road to the left, hitting the curb line on Boulder Highway before continuing onto the sidewalk. Phelps then hit a metal utility pole, knocking it down, then continued north, colliding with the yellow bollard poles behind the bus stop, structure, and the five pedestrians on the sidewalk, according to an arrest report.
Police said a 42-year-old male and a 14-year-old male died at the scene. Both victims were found in the roadway and pronounced dead. An arrest report identified the older victim as Robert Higgins. The Clark County Coroner’s Office has yet to identify the victims.
When police arrived on scene, they said Phelps’ eyes “appeared to be watery and she stated that she believed she had a seizure.” Phelps later told police that she had experienced dizzy spells but was not on medication or officially diagnosed with a disorder.
In an interview with police, Phelps said she was driving home from Boulder Station. She said she believed she missed her turn at King’s Row RV Park, where she reportedly lived.
“She was convinced she completed a U-turn at the intersection…and was driving south on Boulder Highway when the collision occurred,” an arrest report said.
Phelps said she couldn’t remember the collision but remembers waking up to the damage.
Car records indicate the car was going 65 mph at the time of the crash, according to investigators. The speed limit in the area is 45 mph.
In a court hearing Thursday, Phelps’ bail was set at $500,000. Phelps is set to appear in court again on April 23.
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