Las Vegas Father Smoked THC Pen After Dropping Kids at School, Then Mowed Down 12-Year-Old Boy, Police Say

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — A Las Vegas father allegedly smoked marijuana from a THC vape pen after dropping his children off at school, then plowed into a 12-year-old boy walking to class, killing him, according to police.

Authorities say Oh’Ryan Brooks, 27, admitted to being high at the time of the crash and told officers he “knew he was going to jail” before fleeing the scene and smoking more marijuana.

THC Use Before Fatal Crash

The incident happened on the morning of October 3, near the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Owens Avenue, within an active school zone.

Brooks allegedly told police he used his THC vape pen multiple times that morning — first while getting his kids ready for school, then again after dropping them off.

Minutes later, while driving his Mitsubishi SUV, Brooks reportedly struck 12-year-old Cristofer Suarez, who was crossing the street on his way to class.

“He said the sun was in his eyes and he didn’t know what he hit,” officers wrote in the arrest report.

Surveillance footage reviewed by police shows the SUV speeding on Owens Avenue before striking Suarez and sending him flying into an iron fence, according to KLAS-TV.

Witnesses Saw the Impact

Several witnesses told investigators that Brooks was driving well over the school zone speed limit when the crash occurred around 7:40 a.m.

Police tracked Brooks down through his license plate after he fled the scene. Security video from his nearby apartment complex reportedly shows him inspecting the damage on his vehicle.

When officers located Brooks around 9:30 a.m., they said he was swaying, slurring his words, and nearly falling over during questioning.

“He confessed to smoking the THC vape pen while getting his children ready for school,” investigators wrote.

A sobriety test confirmed impairment, and Brooks was immediately taken into custody.

Victim Identified as Cristofer Suarez

The young victim, Cristofer Suarez, was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition but later died from his injuries.

His mother, Martina Suarez, spoke emotionally after Brooks’ first court appearance earlier this week.

“I want everyone to know that he killed a child,” she said. “I’m going to say it right now for his family members — he is never going to have peace.”

A GoFundMe page has since been launched to help Cristofer’s family with funeral expenses.

Charges and Court Proceedings

Brooks faces multiple charges, including DUI resulting in death, hit-and-run, and reckless driving. He remains in custody on $250,000 bail.

According to court documents, he told police that after fleeing the scene, he smoked “because he knew he was going to jail.”

“He mentioned that he had his cell phone but didn’t call anyone because he didn’t have anyone to call,” the report states.

Authorities described Brooks’ demeanor as “remorseful but impaired,” noting that his decision to drive under the influence in a school zone had devastating consequences.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department continues to investigate the crash, with prosecutors expected to pursue enhanced charges due to the victim’s age and school zone location.

This tragic case serves as a reminder of the deadly consequences of impaired driving. For more updates on national and regional crime stories, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.