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A disturbing hit-and-run crash has left a longtime Las Vegas photojournalist fighting for his life after being struck by a fleeing driver while riding his bicycle.
The incident took place around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, in the 3200 block of East St. Louis Avenue near Fremont Street. Surveillance footage from a nearby business clearly shows a red sedan colliding with the cyclist before speeding away from the scene.
According to police, the crash appears to have stemmed from a road-rage encounter. The driver and the victim reportedly exchanged words moments before the vehicle cut off the cyclist and slammed on its brakes, causing the collision.
The victim has been identified as Sam Morris, the respected director of photography at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Morris, a veteran photojournalist with over 25 years of experience in the Las Vegas Valley, remains in critical condition at University Medical Center.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested 37-year-old Eric McDaniels in connection with the crash. He faces a felony charge of duty to stop at the scene of an accident involving death or personal injury. He was also booked on misdemeanor charges for operating an expired, unregistered vehicle and failing to provide proof of insurance.
The arrest came several days after the crash, and it brought some real relief to the local journalism community. A lot of people had been really worried about Morris and his family after the news broke, and many showed strong support during that tough time.
Morris was promoted to director of photography at the Review-Journal in late 2023. Colleagues describe him as a dedicated visual storyteller, someone known for his award-winning work and his genuine passion for cycling.
Hit-and-Run Crashes Come With Heavy Consequences
Cases like this really highlight how risky it is for cyclists on Las Vegas roads. When a driver hits someone and chooses to flee instead of stopping to help, a serious accident can quickly turn into major felony charges with long-lasting consequences.
If you or a loved one has been caught up in a major traffic crash, a hit-and-run investigation, or any related criminal charges, it will be helpful if you talk to an experienced defense attorney right away. Even something that starts as a regular accident can spiral into felony-level trouble that threatens your freedom, your driver’s license, and your future.
At LV Criminal Defense, we’ve been defending people across Las Vegas and throughout Nevada since 2015. We handle all kinds of cases, from hit-and-runs and reckless driving to DUIs, traffic felonies, violent crimes, and more. Our attorneys take the time to thoroughly review the evidence, protect your rights, and fight hard to get the best possible result for you.
If you’re dealing with criminal charges after a traffic incident, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us today for a free consultation, simply fill out the contact form on our website and we’ll get back to you. Our team will walk you through everything and do everything we can to protect your future.
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