DA Announces Hit and Run Verdict

Duty to Stop at Scene of Accident Trial Results in Felony Conviction

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office has announced that a recent trial has resulted in a felony conviction on a charge of failing to stop at the scene of an accident.  The prosecution stemmed from a January, 2016 hit and run accident, in which the defendant left the scene in his vehicle after having crashed into a second vehicle, injuring its female passenger. 

Andrew Robert Lastine, 28, from Sparks was found guilty on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 on one count of Duty to Stop at Scene of an Accident Involving Death or Personal Injury.  Lastine is set to be sentenced on May 3, 2017 in Washoe County District Court and faces up to 20 years in prison.    

The case against Lastine began on January 7, 2016 when the Nevada Highway Patrol and Washoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a hit and run in Sun Valley.  During their investigation, NHP determined that Lastine had been driving a pick-up truck in the area of 5^th and Sun Valley Boulevard when he crashed into the rear of an SUV driven by a Reno woman who sustained injuries to her neck and back.  Lastine’s license plate came off in the crash, which assisted troopers and deputies in locating him at his home a half mile from the scene of the accident. Lastine’s truck had obvious damage on it and he was located in his bedroom hiding under covers. NHP arrested Lastine and this office subsequently filed formal criminal charges against him.

At trial, Deputy District Attorney Michael Bolenbaker presented evidence that linked Lastine to the scene and to the accident. Testimony included finding Lastine’s damaged truck smoking in the driveway of his home with his footprints in the snow leading to the front door.