The Department of Homeland Security confirmed to the outlet that the suspect, Elmer Rueda-Linares, entered the United States illegally on March 12, 2021, through the Rio Grande City, Texas, Port of Entry. "He was arrested but later released on his own recognizance June 22, 2021," the department stated.
The tragic incident took place in Reno, Nev., at approximately 4:30 a.m. on April 6, where Rueda-Linares allegedly fled the scene after a two-vehicle collision that resulted in the death of Kurt Englehart, a state senior adviser to Cortez Masto. "The occupants who fled the scene were later located by police, and the driver arrested. Impairment does appear to be a factor in this crash," a news release stated at the time.
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Rueda-Linares, who is currently being held on a $100,000 bail, has had his charge reduced from felony hit-and-run to failing to stop at the scene of an accident, as reported by the Reno Gazette-Journal. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
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In a statement to the outlet, a spokeswoman for Senator Cortez Masto expressed her confidence in the local law enforcement and prosecutors, stating, "Sen. Cortez Masto looks forward to justice being served."
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Englehart, who had served the senator in various capacities for the past eight years, was remembered fondly by Cortez Masto. "A beloved figure across the state, Kurt was always eager to help a constituent at a moment’s notice," she wrote. "He touched many lives and I know almost everyone in Northern Nevada has a great story about Kurt helping them or making them laugh. Kurt was a dedicated public servant, a loyal friend, and a loving father."