Nevada State Police has released the names of two troopers who died in a hit-and-run crash early Thursday morning.

Sergeant Michael Abbate joined the Department in December 2013 and was promoted to Sergeant this month, according to a release from the Nevada State Police.

Trooper Alberto Felix became a part of the Department in January 2019. Prior to his service with the Highway Patrol, Trooper Felix served in the United States Air Force.

"Both Sergeant Abbate and Trooper Felix dedicated their careers to serving the State of Nevada with exceptional commitment and pride," the Nevada State Police said in their release. "The Nevada State Police extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of our fallen heroes. We respectfully request that the media maintain the privacy of the families and the Department during this challenging time."

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the incident.

FIRST UPDATE

A driver who is suspected in a hit and run crash that killed two Nevada State Police Troopers early Thursday Morning has been identified.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police have identified 46-year-old Jemarcus Williams in the case. He was arrested on multiple charges including DUI above the legal limit resulting in death.

He also faces charges for reckless driving resulting in death and duty to stop at the scene of an accident involving death.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Two Nevada state troopers were killed in a hit-and-run Thursday while helping another driver on the state's busiest freeway, authorities said.

Las Vegas police Undersheriff Andrew Walsh confirmed at a mid-day news conference that a suspect had been taken into custody hours after the crash. But he did not release the suspect's name.

“Right now during this very tragic time, the Nevada state police is going to need that love and support from the community more than ever,” Walsh said.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson earlier in the day said a suspect had been taken into custody hours after the crash, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

“It's a terrible, terrible tragedy to have these troopers lose their lives in the manner they did,” Wolfson said.

The two troopers had stopped to check on a driver who was asleep behind the wheel on Interstate 15 around 3:30 a.m. when a white Chevrolet HHR struck them both, police said.

The driver did not stop, said police spokesperson Branden Clarkson.

One trooper was pronounced dead at a hospital. The other died at the scene.

Investigators found the car unoccupied at an apartment complex around 8 a.m., Clarkson said. He did not say how the suspect was found.

The slain troopers' names have not been released but Clarkson described them as husbands with children. Local TV coverage showed the bodies of both troopers being escorted by an officer procession to the Clark County coroner's office.

"Our hearts at the Reno Police Department are completely broken. We hate to see these troopers who have lost their lives it’s always such a tragic thing to hear across our whole community," says Hunter Mercurio of the Reno Police Department. "It’s very dangerous being on the freeways, especially when you make a traffic stop on our freeways. Please be courteous to our law enforcement who are conducting these traffic stops. Move over a lane if you have the opportunity to do so."

Gov. Joe Lombardo said he was “profoundly saddened" by the troopers' deaths.

“This is a devastating loss for Nevada law enforcement, the city of Las Vegas, and our entire state,” Lombardo said in a statement. "As we mourn these troopers, we will never forget their bravery, courage, and sacrifice.”

A stretch of the highway and several on-ramps were shut down after the deaths.

The I-15 is where another state trooper was struck and killed in 2021 during the pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Trooper Micah May was hit by a vehicle while putting down spike strips to stop the suspect’s car.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)