LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Nevada State Police Highway Patrol and partnering agencies statewide came together Saturday night to honor two fallen officers, Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix who were killed in the line of duty a year ago by a drunk driver.
Over the weekend, NSP issued an impaired driving apprehension campaign to prevent further fatalities out on the roadways.
Major Kevin Honea with Nevada State Police shared with 8 News Now that throughout the year, he and his colleagues have grown closer in the midst of tragedy. They are continuing to do whatever they can for the troopers’ families, particularly their surviving spouses and kids.
“The fact that we can come together, share and hopefully make sure that someone else doesn’t have to go through the needless loss of a loved one by getting the drunk driver off the road before they crash is crucial,” Major Honea said.
Former colleagues and family members of the two fallen troopers gathered at Metro’s Enterprise Area Command with many reflecting on the year.
“Las Vegas Metro reached out and said that they wanted to dedicate the DUI Blitz this month to officers Felix & Abate,” Major Honea shared.
Aggressive driving, driving under the influence and speeding are at the top of the list of reasons why these crashes occur.
Sergeant Abbate and Trooper Alberto were struck and killed in the early morning hours of Nov. 30, 2023, by Jemarcus Williams’ vehicle on northbound I-15 at the D Street off-ramp while responding to a car with a driver who might have been asleep. The crash happened a minute later as the two men were outside of their cruisers to the left side of the parked vehicle, according to police documents 8 News Now Investigators previously obtained and reported.

In June, Williams was sentenced to 16-40 years in prison with 195 days already served. He will be eligible for parole 16 years after the date of the crash.
Several different agencies in the valley including Boulder City, Reno, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and Sparks Police Department were involved.