Strip reopens after driver crashes into crowd

LATEST UPDATE: The Las Vegas Strip reopened to traffic at around 5 a.m. Monday morning.

UPDATE: Police have now confirmed that the crash was intentional.  

According to Las Vegas police, a black woman in her 20s driving a 1996 Oldsmobile drove onto the sidewalk between the Paris hotel-casino and Bally's at 2 different locations. The driver has been arrested and a 3-year-old child in the car with the driver is unharmed. 6 victims are still in critical condition and 1 person has died.  

Witnesses reported that people tried to stop the driver and that her windshield was completely smashed. She fled the scene and police caught her at Flamingo Road and Koval. She was briefly barricaded in her car and refused to come out for a while before she was arrested. Her vehicle has Oregon license plates and it is believed that she has been in Las Vegas for about a week.

The woman was transported to Clark County Detention Center. More information will be released Monday morning. Las Vegas police would like to hear from any witnesses to the incident.

Las Vegas Boulevard is expected to be closed until approximately 6 a.m. between Flamingo Road and Harmon Ave. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.

EARLIER STORY

The Las Vegas Strip was blocked off Sunday evening after a car crashed into multiple pedestrians.

Police said the crash occurred on Las Vegas Boulevard north of Harmon Avenue around 6:40 p.m.

Police confirmed that 1 person is dead, 7 were critically injured and 26 more were also injured in the crash. Four additional people were treated and released.

University Medical Center said most of the patients are from Montreal.

The driver was detained and being tested for driving under the influence.

UPDATE: UMC says most if not all patients are from Montreal. Many speak French and requested translators. @KTNV

— Gina Lazara (@GinaLazara) December 21, 2015

Officials at presser: unknown if intentional or impaired. One fatality. 7 critical. 26 more injured

— Mahsa Saeidi (@MahsaKTNV) December 21, 2015

Driver is detained. Being interviewed and tested for dui.

— Mahsa Saeidi (@MahsaKTNV) December 21, 2015

Just arrived in scene at Flamingo & Koval where it appears driver was caught. Working to gather details @KTNV pic.twitter.com/oPyOXhgsey

— Bryan Callahan (@BCallahanKTNV) December 21, 2015

Gov. Brian Sandoval released a statement regarding the crash.

“I have spoken with Sheriff Joe Lombardo and will remain in contact with him as this incident continues to evolve and additional information is released. The state stands ready to help and will provide any assistance needed to ensure the safety of our visitors and residents,” he said. “Kathleen and I extend our deepest sympathies to all who are affected by this shocking and tragic event. Additionally, I would like to thank the first responders and the medical professionals who are caring for the victims this evening.”

The Strip was closed from Harmon Avenue to Flamingo Road.  In that area was Planet Hollywood hotel-casino, where the Miss Universe pageant was being held Sunday night.

The I-15 ramps to Flamingo Road are also closed.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Road closure on S. Las Vegas Blvd between Harmon and Flamingo Rd. while we investigate an injury crash. #lvtraffic

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) December 21, 2015

@cnnbrk multiple people hurt Las Vegas strip. Car ran over multiple people on sidewalk! pic.twitter.com/rV8aOjDnAv

— Brandon Vaccaro (@brandonavaccaro) December 21, 2015

#breaking witness: woman with child in car ran over up to 40 people on sidewalk. Dragged child down strip. Tried to flee @KTNV not confirmed

— Mahsa Saeidi (@MahsaKTNV) December 21, 2015

#breaking witness tells me this is where woman ran over crowds on strip. @KTNV white towels on sidewalk pic.twitter.com/KN7BEN6ZSl

— Mahsa Saeidi (@MahsaKTNV) December 21, 2015

MY POLICE SOURCE: 33 people taken to hospitals after driver hits group on Las Vegas Strip...still no official info on reports of gunshots

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) December 21, 2015