An 18-year-old Honduran man, who was arrested in connection to a fatal two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of an adviser to Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, was revealed to be in the country illegally, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The individual, Elmer Rueda-Linares, was involved in the tragic collision that resulted in the death of Kurt Englehart on April 6. The incident occurred on Kietzke and Peckham Lanes in Reno, Nevada.
Rueda-Linares was initially charged with a felony hit-and-run, which was later modified to failing to stop at the scene of an accident, as reported by the Reno Gazette Journal, citing the sheriff’s office. He is currently detained at Washoe County Jail in Reno on a $100,000 bail.
ICE confirmed that Rueda-Linares entered the U.S. on March 12, 2021, near the Rio Grande City, Texas, Port of Entry without proper inspection by immigration authorities. He was apprehended by Border Patrol and subsequently released on his own recognizance on June 22, 2021.
Following the collision, federal officers placed an immigration detainer on Rueda-Linares on April 8. Attempts to obtain further details from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office regarding the crash were unsuccessful.
A spokesperson for Senator Cortez Masto expressed confidence in the local law enforcement and legal system, stating that the lawmaker anticipates justice to be served. Cortez Masto also paid tribute to Englehart and extended her condolences in the wake of his tragic passing.
