The grieving family of a 28-year-old Las Vegas man is demanding urgent answers and accountability after his tragic death, which occurred when he was struck by a stolen Salvation Army bus during a dramatic high-speed police pursuit across the city. Ali Moussaoui lost his life in the shocking incident, leaving his loved ones heartbroken and searching for clarity regarding the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
Devastating Loss for Family and Community
Ali Moussaoui's relatives and close friends have expressed profound devastation following the sudden and violent nature of his passing. They describe him as an irreplaceable figure within his family circle, known for his unwavering kindness and ability to unite those around him.
Unimaginable Grief and Unanswered Questions
Wajdi Kassas, Moussaoui's cousin, shared his deep sorrow with local media, emphasising the immense personal loss. "The loss is unimaginable," Kassas stated. "He was the glue of the family, the peacemaker. He brought everyone together. All he cared about was people gathering up and feeling the love that he had for them." Kassas further explained that this tragedy represents the heaviest loss he has ever experienced, highlighting the emotional toll on the family.
Maher Fakih, a co-worker who considered Moussaoui to be like family, echoed these sentiments, portraying him as "the most genuine, sweetest, most kind-hearted person you'll ever meet." Fakih added that Moussaoui was "the backbone of the family" and always ready to help anyone in need, calling him "the greatest friend you can ever have."
Details of the Fatal Police Pursuit
The fatal crash took place on Wednesday 21 January, following a police chase that involved a Salvation Army bus allegedly stolen by 24-year-old Jalen Felton in North Las Vegas. According to reports, the bus was driven at speeds reaching up to 80 miles per hour across the Las Vegas valley, with law enforcement officers in active pursuit.
Police Tactics Under Scrutiny
Official documents from the Las Vegas Metro police indicate that officers pursued the bus for approximately 15 minutes before confirming that no passengers were on board. At that point, patrol units discontinued their lights and sirens, allowing an air unit to monitor the vehicle from above. Tragically, about four minutes after this tactical change, Moussaoui was hit and killed near the intersection of Fort Apache Road and Grand Canyon Drive.
Moussaoui's family and friends are now questioning why the bus was not stopped sooner and whether alternative police strategies could have prevented the deadly outcome. Fakih remarked, "It's incomprehensible the way it happened. Maybe something else should have been done. We just wish everyone to be safe out there because you never know what's going to happen."
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Jalen Felton now faces a extensive list of charges across multiple jurisdictions related to the incident. These charges include reckless driving resulting in death, hit-and-run, kidnapping, grand larceny, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting an officer, disobeying a police officer, and making false statements to police. Notably, an initial DUI charge was later rejected by the District Attorney's office, adding another layer of complexity to the legal case.
The community remains in mourning as the investigation continues, with Moussaoui's family emphasising their desire for transparency and justice in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
