Suspected DUI Driver Arrested After Fatal Wheelchair Collision on Fremont Street

The incident marked the valley's 39th traffic-related fatality of 2026.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:33pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered wheelchair wheel rim against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the tragic aftermath of a fatal collision involving a pedestrian in a wheelchair.The devastating aftermath of a suspected DUI collision that claimed the life of a pedestrian in a wheelchair on the streets of Las Vegas.Las Vegas Today

A 50-year-old Las Vegas man has been arrested on suspicion of DUI-related charges following a tragic Sunday night collision that claimed the life of a 43-year-old man in a wheelchair on Fremont Street in Las Vegas.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and pedestrian safety in the Las Vegas area, which has seen a high number of traffic-related fatalities so far in 2026.

The details

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the collision occurred around 11:11 PM on Sunday, April 12, 2026, when the pedestrian in a wheelchair was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Fremont Street, outside of a marked crosswalk. The front left of a 2013 KIA Optima driven by Johnny Richardson Jr. struck the pedestrian and his wheelchair, resulting in fatal injuries. Richardson Jr. displayed signs of impairment and was arrested on suspicion of DUI-related charges.

  • The incident occurred at approximately 11:11 PM on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
  • This collision is officially designated as Fatal #39 for 2026, following just minutes after Fatal #38 on Monday morning.

The players

Johnny Richardson Jr.

A 50-year-old Las Vegas man who was arrested on suspicion of DUI-related charges following the fatal collision.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD)

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and made the arrest.

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What they’re saying

“This collision is officially designated as Fatal #39 for 2026. It followed just minutes after Fatal #38, a multi-vehicle collision involving a pickup truck at East Charleston Boulevard and South Christy Lane on Monday morning, illustrating a particularly deadly 24-hour window for Las Vegas motorists and pedestrians.”

— Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Press Bureau

What’s next

Investigators will continue to gather evidence and build their case against Johnny Richardson Jr. The judge will decide on his bail status in the coming days.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures, enhanced DUI enforcement, and greater public awareness to prevent such senseless loss of life on Las Vegas streets.