‘Twice Deported’ Mexican Man ID’d As Wrong-Way Driver In Crash That Killed Metro Officer Colton Pulsipher

LAS VEGAS, NV. (THECOUNT) — In a tragic incident earlier this month, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, was killed by Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, a 31-year-old Mexican citizen who was illegally in the U.S., according to federal officials speaking to local media.

The deadly crash occurred on December 12 when Jimenez-Jimenez drove his Ford F150 the wrong way on the northbound lanes of Interstate 15, resulting in a head-on collision with Officer Pulsipher’s Toyota Corolla. Both individuals perished in the accident, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Immigration records reveal that Jimenez-Jimenez had entered the U.S. twice in 2019, both times resulting in expedited removal back to Mexico. His last attempt to gain admission was in January 2020 at Brownsville, Texas, after which he was ordered for deportation by an immigration judge in December 2021, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

At the time of the crash, Nevada State Police found containers of alcohol and marijuana in Jimenez-Jimenez’s vehicle, and toxicology reports to determine his state of intoxication are pending.

Officer Pulsipher, who joined the LVMPD in 2017, was assigned to the tourist safety division within the traffic bureau. He was returning home from his shift when the fatal collision took place. The department highlighted his commitment, stating, “He worked tirelessly to protect and serve our community.”

Pulsipher, a dedicated officer, leaves behind a wife and three young children, underscoring the profound impact of this loss. His memorial service was held in Moapa, where he resided, on December 18. The LVMPD honored him on social media, saying, “Officer Pulsipher served with courage, integrity, and dedication, always putting the safety of others before his own. Rest easy, Officer Pulsipher. We’ve got it from here.”

This incident has not only bereaved a family but also spotlighted issues surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety on U.S. roads.

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