Las Vegas Officer Killed in Tragic Wrong-Way Crash by Drunk Driver in U.S. Illegally
LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, a beloved husband and father of three, who was tragically killed in a violent wrong-way crash on Interstate 15 in December 2024. New investigative findings have revealed disturbing details about the driver responsible for the deadly collision, igniting renewed debate over immigration enforcement and public safety.
The crash occurred on the night of December 12, 2024, near the Valley of Fire when Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, 31, drove his truck southbound in the northbound lanes of I-15, slamming head-on into Officer Pulsipher’s vehicle. The impact killed both men instantly and left a third driver injured when she crashed into the wreckage following the initial collision.
According to toxicology reports obtained by 8 News Now Investigators, Jimenez-Jimenez had a blood-alcohol content of 0.205—nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08 in Nevada. In addition to alcohol, his system also contained THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, further compounding concerns over his impairment.
Investigators believe Jimenez-Jimenez was traveling between 91 and 99 miles per hour at the time of the crash. Authorities identified him through fingerprint analysis and a passport found at the scene.
Adding to the tragic complexity of the case, federal immigration officials confirmed that Jimenez-Jimenez was in the U.S. illegally at the time of the crash. He had previously entered the country unlawfully twice in 2019, and both times he was apprehended and returned to Mexico by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In 2020, he applied for U.S. citizenship, but by 2021, a Texas immigration judge had issued a removal order against him. Despite that order, Jimenez-Jimenez remained in the country.
Officer Colton Pulsipher was off-duty and headed home when the fatal crash occurred. His loss has devastated not only his family, but also his fellow officers and the broader Las Vegas community. Pulsipher was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant with a big heart and a deep commitment to protecting others.
“He served this community with honor and integrity,” said an LVMPD spokesperson. “He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a respected brother in blue. His loss is immeasurable.”
The crash also left another innocent motorist injured. While her identity has not been publicly released, officials say she is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the chaotic aftermath.
The tragedy has sparked widespread outrage and renewed questions about the enforcement of immigration laws and the effectiveness of border security. Lawmakers and residents alike are demanding accountability and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As Officer Pulsipher’s loved ones grieve, the community is rallying behind his family. Vigils, memorials, and fundraisers have sprung up in the weeks following the crash to honor his memory and support his wife and children.
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face every day—even while off duty—and of the far-reaching consequences of drunk and reckless driving. As investigations continue, many are calling for renewed commitment to public safety, both on the roads and in immigration enforcement.
Officer Pulsipher’s legacy of service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace.
