LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The man accused of fleeing police and striking a pedestrian during a sex trafficking investigation made his first appearance in court Wednesday.
35-year-old Jose Alvarez appeared in Henderson Justice Court before Judge Barbara Schifalacqua on multiple charges, including resisting a public officer, burglary of a motor vehicle, battery, kidnapping, and domestic battery, among other charges.
Alvarez’s lawyer appeared remotely and asked for a $5,000 bail, claiming Alvarez was “a good guy” and that Monday’s incident was “out of his character.” Judge Schifalacqua set his bail at $500,000, citing previous failures to appear in court and the safety of the “innocent people” involved.
If Alvarez makes bail, the judge has also requested a review of who paid it, to prevent it from coming from anyone involved in sex trafficking.
The Henderson Police Department responded to the 1000 block of Galleria Drive on Monday, August 4, to investigate reports of domestic violence and human trafficking at a facility. Staff reported to police that the alleged suspect and victim were both still on scene.
Officers arrived at the scene and contacted Alvarez to escort him out of the building. Once outside, Alvarez ran from officers, prompting a foot pursuit.
Alvarez then ran into a nearby parking lot and approached an occupied vehicle. He entered the driver’s seat and reversed the vehicle, striking a woman and driving away with an elderly female and three children inside.
Officers continued to pursue Alvarez on the road until they were able to ram his vehicle and safely end the pursuit.
Alvarez was taken into custody without incident. He, the four vehicle occupants, and one officer were transported to various area hospitals for minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
Alvarez is due back in court for a status check on August 11.
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