In a startling incident that underscores the dangers of impaired driving, a Nevada homeowner's backyard was transformed into a scene of destruction when a car smashed through his property, with the driver ending up in the swimming pool.
A Miraculous Escape for Homeowner
The terrifying event was captured on security cameras at Cletis Reed's home in Laughlin on the night of December 15, just before 11pm. Reed, who had been moments away from stepping into his hot tub, was inside speaking to his wife when he heard a catastrophic noise. "It sounded like a freight train," he recounted. That decision to speak to his wife likely saved his life. "I would have been dead," Reed stated. "It would have killed me."
Footage shows a white Chevrolet travelling at speed, failing to stop, and colliding with a block wall at nearly a 90-degree angle. The vehicle then flipped multiple times in the air before striking the roof of a pool house. A large splash erupted from the pool as the driver was ejected from the wreck.
Driver Pulled from the Water
Reed emerged to find his patio destroyed and a figure floating in his pool. Despite his anger, he immediately went to help. The unidentified female driver was conscious but moaning, and was seen in the footage face down in the water at one point. Reed pulled her to safety. Remarkably, the woman was able to stand and speak with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police about 15 minutes later.
Authorities reported the driver had been speeding and failed to stop before the collision. She was taken to a hospital in Arizona for treatment. While it remains unclear if she will face charges for this high-speed crash, records indicate she has previous traffic violations.
Costly Aftermath and Contaminated Pool
The aftermath of the crash has left Reed facing a monumental clean-up and repair bill. The vehicle came to rest atop debris with its roof torn open, and was eventually removed by a tow truck using a crane. Reed estimates the damage to his backyard oasis, which included a resort-style pool and hot tub, will cost nearly $300,000 to repair. His retirement savings had been invested in the property.
Not only was the patio destroyed, but the 25,000-gallon pool was contaminated with motor oil from the wreck, meaning it will likely need to be completely drained. The emotional toll is also significant. "I can't really sleep well because I keep running it through my head again," Reed confessed.
Reflecting on the narrow escape for both himself and the driver, Reed summed up the incident with a sense of shaken gratitude. "She was blessed and I was blessed," he said.
