Claude Rafiki, 29, faces three counts of DUI resulting in death. (NSP)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A judge set bail Wednesday at $500,000 for the truck driver accused of driving impaired when he crashed into three motorcyclists, killing them.
Moapa Valley-based Judge Gregor Mills also ordered Claude Rafiki, 29, a Michigan-based driver, to not drink and not drive should be post bond, records said.
Rafiki’s initial court appearance was delayed several days as the courts were working to find Rafiki a translator, records indicated. Rafiki speaks Kinyarwanda, a Central African language.
The Saturday crash on Route 163 near U.S. 95 near Laughlin killed Owen Hart, 22; Athena Faye Taylor, 21, and Jeremy Gebo, 44, all of Saint George, Utah, the coroner’s office said.
Rafiki’s charges indicate police believe he was driving on the wrong side of State Route 163 at the time of the crash.
Owen Hart’s family told 8 News Now that he had just turned 22 and was himself beginning a career as a trucker. He and his family were celebrating his birthday with a motorcycle ride, they said.
Melissa Hart, Owen Hart’s mother, said the truck rounded a corner and crashed into her son and another rider.
Rafiki’s was due to return to court Thursday but it was unclear why. Police have not released any information about why they believe Rafiki was impaired.
Though the incident happened in Laughlin, the case was heard in Moapa Valley Justice Court and Rafiki remained jailed in Las Vegas, records said.
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