One hurt in alleged drag-racing incident

Two people were cited for reckless driving Wednesday following a drag-racing accident that sent one to the hospital, police said.

Rachelelvira Hernandez, 18, of Sparks, was taken to Carson-Tahoe Hospital after she lost control of her car at Graves Lane and Edmonds Drive.

"She was going about 62 mph hour in a 35 mph zone. We have 168 feet of skidmark," said Carson Sheriff's Deputy Bill Richards.

Witnesses reported seeing Hernandez and driver Mazzerick Nelson, 20, revving their engines and speeding south from the stoplight at Graves and Highway 50 East.

Nelson denied drag racing, but said he was going about 55 mph and Hernandez was going 65 mph when she lost control in the turn, passed in front of his car, and hit a building.

The two had looked at one another at the light, he said, admitting it was more flirting than racing.

"I feel bad. I feel like it was my fault," he said.

Deputy Richards said Hernandez's car hit the curb, went through dirt, and hit bushes, which spun her 180 degrees. She slid backwards before resting at a 60-degree angle against the apartment building at the corner of Stanton and Edmonds drives.

Nelson said as soon as he could, he stopped his car and ran to pull Hernandez from the wreckage.

She was taken to the hospital, where Richards said he had her blood drawn to determine if she was under the influence of drugs after marijuana was allegedly found in her purse.

Hernandez was cited for reckless driving causing bodily injury and possession of marijuana. Nelson was cited for reckless driving causing bodily injury.

Richards said the building sustained minor damage.

Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.