News writer
For some, crossing state lines to buy a lottery ticket is just part of the thrill. But for one Las Vegas court administrator, that trip turned deadly.
A Christmas Eve crash in Arizona left one man dead, another injured, and the driver — allegedly intoxicated — hiding in the desert. Now, the shocking details of what authorities found at the scene are raising serious questions.
The deadly crash
On December 24, 2024, deputies in Mohave County, Arizona, were called to a crash on Highway 91 in Littlefield, Arizona, which is located about 90 miles northeast of Las Vegas near Interstate 15.
According to deputies, Michael Doan, 46, was driving a Ford truck northbound on the highway when he allegedly crossed the center line and hit a car that was headed southbound. That crash killed Donald Thurston.
Once at the scene, authorities said they found the truck “straddling the double yellow center line,” according to court documents obtained by 8 News Now. According to a witness, the driver of the Ford, later identified as Doan, ran into the desert. However, a deputy later found Doan's court ID sitting on the front passenger seat.
Las Vegas court administrator
Doan was determined to be an assistant court administrator with the Clark County District Court. According to his LinkedIn, his title is listed as “IT project manager.”
Authorities were able to find Doan about 100 yards from the crash site. Court documents said he was “lying down in the dirt” when officers found him.
While walking back to the crash site, officers said Doan “kept asking if he killed the other driver,” which they told him the other driver was dead. He proceeded to ask the same question several more times, and they gave the same response every time. Deputies noted in court documents that they could smell alcohol coming from his breath.
Doan also told police that he “works for the court” and he understood his Mirandad rights. Officers asked him why he was driving and he allegedly said he “had driven from Las Vegas to buy lottery tickets,” court documents stated. Currently, there are no lottery sales in Nevada, so players must travel to buy tickets from the Arizona Lottery or the California Lottery.
Empty alcohol bottles in the vehicle
Back at the crash site, deputies searched the Ford truck and found several empty liquor bottles.
Inside the vehicle, they found a “bottle of Ketel One Vodka with a few drops of liquid left in the bottom.” A second nearly empty bottle of vodka was found in the seat pocket on the back of the driver's seat. Officers proceeded to find a third vodka bottle on the ground immediately outside the passenger door.
Driver was indicted
The crash by Doan caused the death of the other driver, Donald Thurston. There was also a passenger in Thurston's vehicle who was injured in the crash.
Since the incident took place, a Mojave County grand jury has indicted Doan on multiple charges, including DUI and manslaughter, court records state. It was not known when he was due back in court.
Meanwhile, court administrators said Doan was placed on leave after his arrest.
Enjoy playing the lottery, and please remember to play responsibly.
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