Residents of east Las Vegas are living in fear due to a surge in reckless driving incidents, with one recent case escalating to gunfire. The intersection of Lamb Boulevard and Hacienda Avenue has become a hotspot for dangerous behaviors like racing, drifting, and doing doughnuts, leaving residents frustrated and concerned for their safety.
Residents’ Terrifying Encounter
During a recent meeting at Paradise Community Center, about two dozen residents shared their harrowing experiences with Las Vegas police and Clark County government officials. One resident, Sean, recounted how a car repeatedly returned to a nearby street to perform doughnuts, leading to gunfire on November 26. Five bullets hit Sean’s house, narrowly missing his granddaughter and himself. The frightening incident prompted Sean to call 911, sparking an ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Community’s Desperate Plea
Residents expressed their distress over the lack of swift action from authorities despite multiple calls to 911 and 311 reporting reckless driving. They described feeling helpless as police often arrived too late to apprehend the driver, who had already fled the scene. The frustration reached a boiling point when residents contemplated shooting back at the perpetrator, highlighting the dire need for immediate intervention to ensure their safety.
Proposed Solutions and Skepticism
Clark County officials, including Commissioner James Gibson and Director Denis Cederberg, discussed potential engineering solutions to curb street racing at the problematic intersection. Ideas included narrowing the road, installing speed cushions, and altering the road’s texture to deter drifting. However, residents remained skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures, questioning whether real change would occur to address the longstanding issue.
In the face of mounting concerns and growing anxiety among residents, the community is left grappling with the uncertainty of their safety in the wake of reckless driving incidents. As authorities strive to find a viable solution, the residents of east Las Vegas continue to hope for a resolution that will bring peace and security back to their neighborhood.
