LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Four Pacific University wrestlers were hurt by a woman in a car with Oregon plates that plowed into a sidewalk full of pedestrians on the Las Vegas strip Sunday, according to police.
The incident killed one woman and injured at least 34 others, including the Oregon students, who are part of the PU wrestling team. One of the students remained hospitalized Monday, two were released overnight and the other was treated at the scene, according to PU spokesman Joe Lang.
The driver was identified as Lakeisha N. Holloway, 24, of Portland, according Clark County, Nevada officials. Police said she moved to Vegas a week ago and was living in her car, along with her 3-year-old daughter.
The toddler was in her car when she swerved onto the sidewalk and repeatedly plowed into the pedestrians on the crowded strip, police said. Neither Holloway nor the child were injured.
Jessica Valenzuela, 32, of Buckeye, Arizona was killed.
Holloway was arrested a short time later and faces several charges, including murder, child abuse and failure to remain at an accident scene. She is being held without bail. Police said there was no sign of alcohol impairment, but she was tested for stimulant drugs.
The PU men's wrestling team was in Las Vegas to compete in the Wartburg Desert Duals on Monday. The team, comprised of 19 student-athletes and coaches, were walking together when the incident occurred.
PU President Lesley Hallick issued this statement on Monday:
"The safety and well-being of our students and employees, both those injured and all who witnessed this traumatic incident, are of paramount importance. We are relieved that none of our students suffered life threatening injuries, but at the same time, saddened to hear of those who were killed or critically injured. We are very thankful to all of the first responders, and to our athletic trainer, who worked tirelessly to treat both the injured and those emotionally shaken by what they witnessed. I am also most appreciative of our coaches and athletic staff for reaching out to our wrestling student-athletes and their families to provide support and to arrange to bring the team home today."
As for Holloway's local connection, she also apparently lived in Vancouver just two months ago. Clark County records show that she listed a Vancouver address when she petitioned in October to have her name changed to Paris Paradise Morton.
Las Vegas Deputy Police Chief Brett Zimmerman said the incident was "not an act of terrorism," but appeared to be intentional. He said homicide units were investigating.
"The videos obviously show intention," Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said at a Monday press conference. He put the number of injured at 35 and said three people remained in critical condition. The Clark County Coroner's Office identified the person who died as Jessica Valenzuela, 32, of Buckeye, Ariz.
Flashing ambulance lights overtook the glitz of the famous strip after the deadly incident. It happened near the Paris Las Vegas and the Planet Hollywood resort where the Miss Universe pageant was ending, at around 6:40 p.m. local time.
The 1996 Oldsmobile drove off from the scene and was found parked at another hotel, according to police. Holloway was located nearby and captured.
"This is a huge tragedy that has occurred on our strip," police Lt. Peter Boffelli said.
The driver was described as "stoic" as she hit pedestrians in two areas, according to police. Witnesses described the car speeding up and slamming into a second group of people after the initial strike. Some people banged on her window and begged her to stop, but she refused, they said.
Rabia Qureshi, a tourist from Wisconsin, told NBC station KSNV that the car looked like "a bowling ball and the human bodies were like pins."
"You think it's a show, because you're in Vegas," Qureshi said. "But then I saw some people fly in the air."
Qureshi's husband, Atif, a surgeon, stopped their car and dashed out to lend assistance.
"The first thing that came into my mind was that I should be out there helping them," Atif Qureshi said.
Another witness, Sofie Kitterød, told NBC News that she saw 10 people being taken away in ambulances.
"What we've heard is that a car drove up on the sidewalk by Planet Hollywood and continued past Paris Hotel," Kitterød said. "There are many ambulances on both sites."
Pacific University is headquartered in Forest Grove, Oregon. There are about 3,500 students currently enrolled, who attend classes on the campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene and Woodburn.