An off-duty Las Vegas police officer tragically lost his life in a devastating collision caused by a wrong-way driver earlier this month. The driver, identified as Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, 31, was in the U.S. illegally, according to federal officials.
The fatal incident occurred on Dec. 12 when Jimenez-Jimenez drove a Ford F150 the wrong way on the northbound side of Interstate 15, resulting in a collision with the Toyota Corolla of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29. Both individuals lost their lives in the crash.
Jimenez-Jimenez, a Mexican citizen, had entered the U.S. twice in 2019 and was subsequently returned to Mexico on an order of expedited removal, as confirmed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson. In January 2020, he attempted to re-enter the U.S. through Customs and Border Protection in Brownsville, Texas, but was ordered to be deported in December 2021 by an immigration judge.
At the time of the collision, Jimenez-Jimenez had alcohol and marijuana containers in his truck, as reported by Nevada State Police. Toxicology results are currently pending.
Officer Pulsipher, who had been serving with LVMPD since 2017 and was part of the tourist safety division traffic bureau, was heading home after his shift when the tragic crash occurred. Described as a dedicated officer who worked tirelessly to protect and serve the community, Pulsipher leaves behind a wife and three young children.
A memorial service for Officer Pulsipher was held in Moapa on Dec. 18, where he resided. The LVMPD paid tribute to his service, stating, 'Officer Pulsipher served with courage, integrity, and dedication, always putting the safety of others before his own. Rest easy, Officer Pulsipher. We’ve got it from here.'
