Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, Killed in Wrong-Way Crash by Intoxicated Driver Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, 31, Who Had Been Deported Twice; Las Vegas Community Mourns Fallen Officer and Demands Accountability

LAS VEGAS, NV — The Las Vegas community is mourning the tragic loss of Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, a dedicated husband and father of three, who was killed in a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 15 near the Valley of Fire on December 12, 2024. The collision occurred when Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, 31, drove his Ford F-150 southbound in the northbound lanes, colliding head-on with Officer Pulsipher’s vehicle. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officer Colton Pulsipher: A Life of Service and Dedication

Officer Pulsipher served with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department since 2017, assigned to the traffic bureau’s tourist safety division. He was known for his unwavering commitment to public safety and his community. Colleagues and community members remember him as a compassionate and dedicated officer who always went above and beyond in his duties. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

He is survived by his wife, Ashlee, and their three children: Carlee, 5; Brett, 2; and Jonny, 11 months. Officer Pulsipher was laid to rest on December 18, 2024, in a private ceremony in Moapa Valley, attended by family, friends, and fellow officers who honored his service and sacrifice. (Las Vegas Review-Journal, https://www.fox5vegas.com)

Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez: A History of Illegal Reentry and Intoxication

Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, a Mexican citizen, had a history of illegal reentry into the United States. He was deported twice in 2019 and later applied for admission to the U.S. in January 2020 but failed to appear for his immigration hearing in December 2021. An immigration judge ordered his removal in absentia. (https://www.fox5vegas.com, KSNV)

At the time of the crash, investigators found several containers of alcohol and marijuana in Jimenez-Jimenez’s vehicle. Toxicology reports revealed a blood-alcohol content of 0.205, more than two and a half times the legal limit. (KSNV)

The Crash and Its Aftermath

The fatal crash occurred around 12:26 a.m. on December 12, 2024, on northbound Interstate 15 near mile marker 78, close to the Valley of Fire State Park. Jimenez-Jimenez’s Ford F-150 collided head-on with Officer Pulsipher’s Toyota Corolla. Following the initial collision, a Freightliner tractor-trailer swerved to avoid the wreckage, and a Honda CR-V crashed into the overturned Ford, resulting in substantial injuries to the CR-V’s driver. (https://www.fox5vegas.com, https://www.kolotv.com)

Community Response and Calls for Accountability

The tragic loss of Officer Pulsipher has sparked outrage and renewed debates over immigration enforcement and public safety. Community members and officials are calling for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department released a statement honoring Officer Pulsipher’s dedication and service, stating, “As we honor his legacy, we remember a man who truly embodied the spirit of service. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts.” (New York Post)

Conclusion

Officer Colton Pulsipher’s untimely death serves as a somber reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily and the importance of addressing systemic issues related to immigration enforcement and impaired driving. As the community continues to grieve, there is a collective call for meaningful change to honor Officer Pulsipher’s memory and ensure the safety of all citizens.