Current:Home > NewsRetired police chief killed in hit-and-run died in 'cold and callous' way: Family -FundPrime
Retired police chief killed in hit-and-run died in 'cold and callous' way: Family
Robert Brown View
Date:2025-04-10 22:08:45
As two teenagers face murder charges in an alleged intentional hit-and-run that killed a retired police chief who was biking in Las Vegas, the victim's family is reeling from the "cold and callous" way he died.
Andreas "Andy" Probst, 64, a former police chief for Bell, California, died after a vehicle slammed into him while riding in a designated bike lane last month, authorities said. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill called it a "senseless murder," with the two suspects accused of intentionally striking Probst and then leaving him for dead.
"We are beside ourselves with the tragic loss of my husband and our children's father," the Probst family said in a statement to ABC News on Tuesday. "There are no words in this world that can express how truly devastated and heartbroken we are. Andy was a one-of-a-kind man, and for two individuals to take his life in such a cold and callous way is sick."
"We are praying that justice is served," they said.
Probst served in law enforcement for more than 35 years, his daughter said at a press briefing last week, calling him a man of "honor and integrity" who was a "Little League dad" and "honorary member of Girl Scouts."
The two teens -- Jesus Ayala, 18, and Jzamir Keys, 16 -- are accused of committing a series of crimes the morning of Aug. 14 -- four car thefts and three hit-and-runs, including the one that killed Probst, authorities said.
Both have been charged with murder with use of a deadly weapon, battery with use of a deadly weapon and attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon. Ayala, who is accused of driving a stolen Hyundai Electra during Probst's alleged hit-and-run, is also charged with leaving the scene of a crash and possession of a stolen vehicle, among other charges.
MORE: Suspect sought in murder of 26-year-old tech CEO: Police
Police said Keys was driving during the first hit-and-run and, while a passenger, recorded footage of the vehicle striking Probst.
Both are being tried as adults, prosecutors said.
The two teens appeared in court Tuesday and continue to be held without bail. Ayala's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 10, while Keys' was set for Nov. 8.
Ayala's public defender, David Westbrook, declined to comment on the case when contacted by ABC News.
The latest court appearances came as the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department this week released the 911 calls made in connection with their alleged crime spree.
The suspects are accused of initially hitting a 72-year-old bicyclist. The man called 911 around 5:27 a.m. PT to report that a car "just ran me over on my bicycle" then "took off."
"He ran me over on purpose," the victim said. "He got behind me, I was watching in my rearview on my bicycle, and I'm going, 'Oh s---,' and I got as far to the right, up against the curb as I could."
"I was hoping that maybe the police can make a connection because he could have killed me," said the man, who according to police suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated on scene.
MORE: Man charged with murder after killing his sister and 6-year-old niece in head-on car crash
The suspects are then accused of intentionally striking a Toyota Corolla, whose driver suffered non-threatening injuries, before fleeing and hitting Probst in the Hyundai Elantra.
The first call reporting the crash involving Probst came in around 6:03 a.m. PT when a woman reported a man was hit by a car outside her apartment.
"I think the man may be dead," she said.
Around 6:05 a.m. PT, Probst's Apple Watch apparently called 911 to report that the owner had "taken a hard fall and is not responding to their watch," then provided an address.
More calls followed. Among them, around 6:13 a.m. PT, a person called 911 to report a vehicle speeding down the road "only on three wheels" that nearly crashed in an intersection.
At 6:17 a.m. PT, a driver bringing his children to school reported the vehicle abandoned, still running. "The windshield looks like they hit someone," the man said.
veryGood! (68792)
Related
- Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
- Michigan’s top court won’t intervene in dispute over public records and teachers
- Wisconsin Supreme Court says Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s name will remain on swing state’s ballot
- The final 3 anti-abortion activists have been sentenced in a Tennessee clinic blockade
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Wisconsin city’s mailing of duplicate absentee ballots raises confusion, questions over elections
- Dakota Johnson's Underwear Story Involving Barack Obama Will Turn You Fifty Shades of Red
- Jury awards $300 million to women who alleged sex abuse by doctor at a Virginia children’s hospital
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- What Caitlin Clark learned from first WNBA season and how she's thinking about 2025
Ranking
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Arkansas couple stunned when their black Nikes show up as Kendrick Lamar cover art
- 5 people killed in a 4-vehicle chain reaction crash on central Utah highway
- Florida financial adviser indicted in alleged illegal tax shelter scheme
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Playoff clinching scenarios for MLS games Saturday; Concacaf Champions Cup spots secured
- Daniel Radcliffe Details Meeting Harry Potter Costar Maggie Smith in Moving Tribute
- Love is Blind's Marshall Glaze and Fiancée Chay Barnes Break Up Less Than One Year After Engagement
Recommendation
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
Chappell Roan cancels 2 festival performances: 'Things have gotten overwhelming'
Tropical Weather Latest: Millions still without power from Helene as flooding continues
Woman loses over 700 pounds of bologna after Texas border inspection
The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
Chappell Roan Cancels Festival Appearances to Prioritize Her Health
Dozens dead and millions without power after Helene’s deadly march across southeastern US
Top election official in Nevada county that is key to the presidential race takes stress leave