Man Suspected in Deadly Hit-and-Run Crash Previously Accused of Robbery and Kidnapping, Police Say

Manuel Mendoza Jr. Arrested in Deadly Hit-and-Run Crash

A man suspected by police as the driver of a deadly hit-and-run crash in Las Vegas has been arrested on multiple charges, including robbery and kidnapping, according to police reports.

The incident occurred on April 20, when a pedestrian, later identified as Robert Bager, was struck and killed by a white Chrysler Sebring convertible near North Main Street and Foremaster Avenue. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene, leaving Bager dead.

After an investigation, detectives linked Manuel Mendoza Jr. to the hit-and-run and discovered that the same vehicle was used in a robbery case for which Mendoza had been previously arrested. The vehicle, registered to an owner in Los Angeles, California, was found burned in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence of its involvement in the crash.

Mendoza, who has a criminal history that includes robbery, burglary, and kidnapping charges, was arrested on May 23 following a follow-up investigation at his home. He told police that he was on his way to meet friends at a casino when the collision occurred, but claimed he did not know what part of his vehicle hit Bager.

He now faces charges including duty to stop at the scene of an accident with death and destroy/conceal evidence. The investigation into the hit-and-run crash is ongoing.

This arrest sheds light on the dangerous consequences of hit-and-run incidents and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions on the road.