Current:Home > MarketsRetired police chief killed in hit-and-run died in 'cold and callous' way: Family -Streamline Finance
Retired police chief killed in hit-and-run died in 'cold and callous' way: Family
PredictIQ Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-10 15:26:16
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! (82)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- A deadline has arrived for Niger’s junta to reinstate the president. Residents brace for what’s next
- Search continues for beloved teacher who went missing 1 week ago
- Heat and wildfires put southern Europe’s vital tourism earnings at risk
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Save on the Season's Best Styles During the SKIMS End of Summer Sale
- McConnell is warmly embraced by Kentucky Republicans amid questions about his health
- Kai Cenat will face charges of inciting a riot after chaotic New York giveaway, NYPD says
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- 2 Navy sailors arrested, accused of providing China with information
Ranking
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Beyoncé, Spike Lee pay tribute to O'Shae Sibley, stabbed while dancing: 'Rest in power'
- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Purple Blush Restock Alert: The Viral Product Is Back by Purple-Ar Demand
- Pope Francis starts Catholic Church's World Youth Day summit by meeting sexual abuse survivors
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- New York City high school student charged with hate-motivated murder in killing of gay dancer
- New York Activists Descend on the Hamptons to Protest the Super Rich Fueling the Climate Crisis
- 'Breaking Bad,' 'Better Call Saul' actor Mark Margolis dies at 83
Recommendation
Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
Judge partially blocks Texas abortion ban for medical emergencies, fatal diagnoses
Governments are gathering to talk about the Amazon rainforest. Why is it so important to protect?
'It's really inspiring': Simone Biles is back, two years after Olympic withdrawal
Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
Wells Fargo customers report missing deposits to their bank accounts
Mega Millions jackpot winners can collect anonymously in certain states. Here's where.
Judge partially blocks Texas abortion ban for medical emergencies, fatal diagnoses