Faith Monet Love, 12, died when she was struck in a northwest Las Vegas neighborhood on Halloween. (CCSD)
Justin Caramanica, 41 (LVMPD)
Courtesy: Gloria Hunt
Courtesy: Gloria Hunt
Courtesy: Gloria HuntLAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
A 41-year-old Las Vegas man faces charges of drunken driving causing substantial bodily harm after his car struck and killed a 12-year-old girl trick-or-treating Monday on the city's northwest side.
Police said Justin Caramanica admitted drinking and taking prescription drugs before the accident just before 8:30 p.m. at Sandstone Bluffs Drive and Wesley Lake Place, near Sahara Avenue and Hualapai Way.
The victim, Faith Monet Love, was rushed to University Medical Center and pronounced dead a short time later.
Toni Jewell, a friend speaking on behalf of the Caramanica family, told FOX5, "We are grieving for the loss of that little girl and our family is devastated. Our deepest sympathy goes to Faith Love and our thoughts and prayers are with her family."
Neighbors at the scene of the accident took pictures of the car and Caramanica as he was questioned by police.
"Anytime a vehicle -- even at 25-35 miles per hour -- strikes a human body there's going to be severe injury, and its never a good thing," said Metro Sgt. Richard Strader.
It's not yet known how fast Caramanica was driving at the time of the accident.
"The neighborhood is upset, people are screaming things over the fence. They're upset this happened in this neighborhood and rightfully so. This is truly one of those tragic things that can be avoided," Strader said.
Monday's accident was the 55th traffic-related fatality in Las Vegas this year, according to police.
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