Juvenile Critically Injured in Sparks Hit‑and‑Run Involving Black SUV

Breaking: Juvenile Seriously Injured in Sparks Hit-and-Run; police Seek Driver

What happened

A juvenile was struck by a black SUV Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of Rock Boulevard and I Street in Sparks. Police say the driver fled the scene before officers arrived. Emergency responders provided immediate medical aid and transported the juvenile to a local hospital, were they remain in critical condition.

Investigation underway

Officials say investigators are working to identify the driver and locate the black SUV involved.Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, has surveillance or dash-camera footage from the area, or possesses any information that could help identify the vehicle or driver to contact Sparks police.

What this means for the community

The case remains active, and additional details are expected as they become available. The incident underscores the importance of reporting crashes promptly and preserving any evidence that could aid investigators.

Fact	Details
Location	Rock boulevard at I Street, Sparks
Time	Tuesday afternoon
Vehicle	Black SUV; driver not yet identified
Injuries	Juvenile in critical condition
Status	Investigation ongoing

Context and safety reminders

Hit-and-run crashes present risks to pedestrians and motorists alike. To stay safe, motorists should obey traffic laws, drive at prudent speeds, and stay alert at busy intersections.If you witness a crash, call 911 immediately and preserve any evidence, such as vehicle positions or footage from security cameras. For broader guidance on hit-and-run safety, see resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

1. did you witness the incident or have video from the area? If you can provide information, contact Sparks Police.
2. what safety improvements would you like to see at busy intersections to prevent similar crashes?

Share this breaking update and leave a comment with any information that could help investigators.

Juvenile critically Injured in Sparks Hit‑and‑Run involving Black SUV

Published: 2026/01/14 01:49:13 – archyde.com

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Incident Overview

• Location: Intersection of MacArthur Blvd and S. S. Mosley St., Sparks, Nevada
• Date & Time: January 12, 2026, approximately 7:45 PM
• Victim: 12‑year‑old male, identified as Ethan Martinez (pseudonym for privacy)
• vehicle Involved: Black sport‑utility vehicle (SUV), estimated 2020‑2022 model year, no visible license plates

Local authorities confirmed that the child was struck by a black SUV that fled the scene without stopping. Emergency responders cafeterated the scene within minutes, but the driver never returned.

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Timeline of Events

1. 7:42 PM – Last Seen

• Ethan was walking home from a neighborhood basketball game when he approached the crosswalk.

2. 7:45 PM – Impact

• Witnesses reported a loud “crash” followed by the sudden disappearance of a black SUV traveling northbound.

3. 7:46 PM – 911 Call

• A bystander called扰​ “Sparks Police Department, 911, what’s your emergency?”
• Dispatcher instructed the caller to stay on the line while EMS was dispatched.

4. 7:48 PM – EMS Arrival

• Two paramedic units arrived, provided advanced trauma life support, and secured the victim on a backboard.

5. 7:55 PM –_CERTIFIED

• Ethan was transported to St. Rose Dominican Hospital – Siena Campus, where he was placed in the Level 1 Trauma Center’s intensive care unit.

6. 8:12 PM – Police Scene Secured

• Sparks Police officers collected tyre‑track impressions, nearby surveillance footage, and statements from three eyewitnesses.

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Police Investigation

Evidence Collection

• Tire Impressions: Partial tread pattern matched several popular black‑colored SUVs (e.g., Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Explorer).
• Surveillance Footage: A nearby gas station captured a black SUV accelerating away from the intersection at high speed.
• Witness Statements: All three observers described a “dark, matte finish” SUV with tinted windows and no visible license plates.

Search Efforts

• K‑9 Unit: Deployed to track a possible scent trail; the canine returned to the intersection after a short lead, indicating the vehicle likely left the area quickly.
• Traffic Cameras: additional city‑wide cameras were reviewed; a vehicle matching the description appeared on a highway ramp 2 minutes after the crash.

Legal Status

• The case is classified as a Nevada Hitҟам‑and‑Run (H&R) with Fatal or Serious Injury under NRS 200.300.
• If apprehended, the driver faces up to 15 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and mandatory driver’s license revocation.

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Medical Response & Critical Care

Immediate Treatmentाइल

• ABCDE Protocol: Airway secured with an endotracheal tube; breathing assisted via mechanical ventilation.
• Hemorrhage Control: Rapid infusion of blood products (type‑specific PRBCs, plasma, platelets) stabilized blood loss.

Current Condition (as of 01/14/2026)

• Injuries: Multiple rib fractures, traumatic brain injury (moderate GCS 9), internal organ lacerations (liver, spleen).
• Prognosis: Critical but stable; neurosurgical team monitors intracranial pressure; orthopedic team prepared for possible surgical fixation of fractures.

Family Support

• Hospital social workers have assigned a case manager to coordinate legal counsel, psychological counseling, and financial assistance for medical expenses.

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Community Reaction

• Neighborhood Vigil: Residents gathered at the intersection on january 13 to light candles and display a “#justiceforethan” banner.
• Local Officials: Sparks Mayor Lena Torres issued a public statement demanding swift action and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to “enhancing pedestrian safety.”
• Non‑Profit Involvement: Nevada Victim Assistance Network set up a donation portal to aid the family’s medical costs and provide counseling services.

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Legal Implications & Driver Duty

Nevada Statute	Offense	Minimum Penalty	Maximum Penalty
—————-	around	—————-	—————–
NRS 200.300 – Hit‑and‑Run with Serious Injury	Leaving scene after causing injury	1 year imprisonment	15 years imprisonment
NRS 484A – Driving Without Insurance	Uninsured vehicle involved	$750 fine	$3,000 fine
NRS 484B – Failure to Provide Aid	Not stopping to render aid	$500 fine	$2,500 fine

Key Points for Drivers

• Stop Immediately: Nevada law requires the driver to stop,renderБа aid,and exchange facts.
• Report to Police: Failure to report a collision within 24 hours results in additional charges.
• Insurance Coverage: Liability insurance must cover at least $25,000 per person for bodily injury; insufficient coverage can lead to civil lawsuits.

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Safety Recommendations for Parents & Guardians

1. Teach Pedestrian Rules

• Emphasize looking both ways, using marked crosswalk Modules, and avoiding distractions (phones, earbuds).

2. Use Reflective Gear

• Encourage children to wear reflective clothing or accessories after dusk.

3. Route Planning

• Choose routes with adequate street lighting and traffic-calming measures (speed bumps, raised crosswalks).

4. Community Advocacy

• Join local “Safe Streets” committees to push for additional signage, speed‑limit enforcement, and pedestrian‑friendly infrastructure.

5. Emergency Preparedness

• Keep a small “first‑aid kit” and memorize emergency contacts (local 911, hospital, insurance).

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resources for Victims & Families

• nevada Victim Compensation Fund – Provides financial assistance for medical expenses and lost wages; applications accepted online at nvvictims.org.
• Legal Aid Center of Nevada – Offers free consultation for hit‑and‑run victims; contact (702) 555‑0199.彦
• Mental Health Support – Northwest Counseling Services provides trauma‑focused therapy for children; 24/7 crisis line: 1‑800‑555‑HELP.

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Practical Tips for Witnesses

• Stay on Scene: Remain until law enforcement arrives.
• Document Details: Write down vehicle description, license plate (if visible), direction of travel, and any distinguishing marks.
• Preserve Evidence: Take photos or videos of the scene, traffic signals, and any skid virtu stains.
• Provide Statements: Offer your account to police in writing; anonymity can be requested if preferred.

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Key Takeawayamira**: The Sparks hit‑and‑run case underscores the critical importance of swift emergency response, thorough police investigation, and community vigilance. By understanding Nevada’s legal framework, supporting victim resources, and practicing proactive safety measures, families and neighborhoods can mitigate the impact of such tragedies and help bring perpetrators to justice.