Second Suspect Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash that Killed 12-Year-Old Girl in North Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The North Las Vegas Police Department has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation of a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 12-year-old girl. A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident, providing hope for justice for the grieving family.

The Tragic Incident

On Tuesday, June 20, at approximately 3:40 p.m., officers from the NLVPD responded to a devastating multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of Belmont Street and East Carey Avenue. The collision involved four vehicles and resulted in the tragic death of a young girl.

According to the police investigation, two drivers were engaging in reckless driving behavior, disregarding a four-way stop sign and causing the collision with two other vehicles. Shockingly, one of the drivers continued to flee the scene, losing control of the vehicle and striking 12-year-old Yelina Tarango, who was walking as a pedestrian on Belmont Street.

Despite immediate medical attention, Yelina Tarango was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her family and the community in mourning.

The Search for Justice

The driver responsible for the hit-and-run immediately fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a devastated family and a community seeking answers. In July, North Las Vegas police appealed to the public for assistance in identifying the suspect, releasing surveillance video and images capturing the individual fleeing from the scene.

After months of intensive investigation, the North Las Vegas Police Department announced a major breakthrough in the case. Bryan Barajas, a 26-year-old suspect, has been identified as the driver responsible for the hit-and-run incident that claimed Yelina Tarango’s life.

The Arrest

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the police confirmed that Bryan Barajas is now in custody. However, it was revealed that Barajas was already imprisoned at the Clark County Detention Center on unrelated charges of possession and theft. The authorities have now rebooked him, adding charges related to the fatal hit-and-run incident.

Bryan Barajas now faces a slew of charges, including grand larceny of an automobile, possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving resulting in death, hit-and-run resulting in death, failure to stop at an accident (two counts), failure to provide information at an accident (two counts), and driving with a revoked driver’s license. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 29, where the grieving family hopes for justice to be served.

The Pursuit of Justice Continues

While the arrest of Bryan Barajas provides some solace to the family of Yelina Tarango, justice remains elusive. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash, Alfredo C. Cabrera Jr., was arrested at the scene and charged with reckless driving resulting in death. Court documents indicate that his next court appearance is scheduled for January 22, 2024.

The North Las Vegas community stands in solidarity with the grieving family, hoping that both suspects will be held accountable for their actions and that the memory of Yelina Tarango will be honored through the pursuit of justice.