Published on: January 6, 2026, 09:57h.
Updated on: January 6, 2026, 10:03h.
- Retired LASD officer involved in deadly Las Vegas New Year’s hit-and-run
- Witness reports Cadillac struck pedestrian near iconic Welcome sign and fled
- Authorities tracked suspect to Orleans; victim’s dog discovered scared and alone
The individual implicated in a tragic hit-and-run incident near the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign on New Year’s Day is reportedly a retired law enforcement officer from Los Angeles County, as per a recent court arrest report.
Seventy-seven-year-old Edward Dias, hailing from Pomona, California, is a former deputy with 27 years of service in the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. He faces accusations of fatally striking 43-year-old Lynessa Perkins, a tourist from Kansas, before departing the scene.
A witness observed the Cadillac XT5 colliding with Perkins, who was walking in a traffic lane around 1 am on January 1.
The iconic sign is positioned on a median between northbound and southbound Las Vegas Boulevard South. Although a paved pedestrian path leads to it, many pedestrians hazard crossing multiple lanes due to the lack of obvious legal crossings.
Escaping the Scene
Following the accident, the Cadillac, displaying California license plates, entered a private driveway. The witness, who was recording the event on their cellphone, reported that the driver quickly fled, according to court documents.
Las Vegas Metro Police (LVMPD) and medical responders were alerted regarding a woman hit in a collision who appeared unconscious. Perkins was transported to UMC Hospital, where she was later declared deceased.
After departing the private drive, the Cadillac traveled north on Las Vegas Boulevard before performing a U-turn and driving slowly by the scene of the incident, subsequently leaving the area, as reported.
Authorities swiftly identified Dias as the Cadillac owner. By contacting local hotels, they confirmed he was lodged at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. The vehicle was discovered in the parking area, showing minor damage to the front bumper and side-view mirror. Dias was apprehended in his hotel room, as per reports.
Dias’ Claims
Dias informed law enforcement that he suspected he had hit an object but was unaware of its nature. He stated he stopped but left the scene due to difficulty making left turns.
However, surveillance footage contradicts this, showing the Cadillac making a left-hand U-turn after the incident. Instead of informing the police, he reportedly contacted his insurance company, according to the arrest details.
Perkins’ dog, Lola, who was with her at the time, was found the next day, trembling near an apartment complex close to the Strip, according to a report from Fox News.
Dias is scheduled to appear in court on January 6, facing a felony charge of failing to stop at the scene of an accident that resulted in death or injury. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years.