A shocking incident in Las Vegas has left a family heartbroken after a man allegedly stole a car from a Walmart parking lot and crashed it, killing a helpless passenger inside. The victim, who had serious health issues, could not escape the situation, making the tragedy even more painful for his loved ones.
What Happened at the Walmart Parking Lot
Police say that Harold Allen, 55, got into a car parked outside a Walmart near Charleston and Decatur boulevards in Las Vegas. The vehicle was not his, but he allegedly drove away anyway — without realising, or possibly ignoring, that someone was already inside.
The passenger was Benito Saragosa, 37, who had been waiting in the car while his mother went inside to shop. Soon after taking the vehicle, Allen reportedly sped through an intersection, ran a red light, and crashed into another vehicle before hitting a pole.
According to court documents, Allen later told a witness, “I was trying to beat the light.”
Victim’s Health Condition Made Escape Impossible
Saragosa’s family revealed that he had serious heart problems and limited mobility. He was recovering from alcoholism and often struggled to move on his own.
His sister, Shelley Saragosa, shared that his heart function was only about 20%, and he was supposed to wear a special medical vest to help regulate it. Because of his condition, he usually stayed in the car while his mother ran errands.
She also explained that he was afraid of fast-moving vehicles, which may have stopped him from trying to jump out during the incident.
Family’s Pain and Questions
The family is deeply devastated and struggling to understand why this happened.
Shelley said she cries every day thinking about her brother’s fear of speeding cars and how he likely suffered during the crash. She questioned the motive behind the act, asking why someone would randomly jump into a car and cause such destruction.
Their mother, Deborah Requena, also expressed her grief and confusion, saying she cannot understand why her son’s life had to be taken for no reason.
What the Accused Told Police
Allen reportedly told police that he had come to Walmart with his girlfriend. While she went inside, he stayed in her car. He later claimed that he entered another vehicle by mistake, thinking it belonged to his girlfriend.
He also said that the car’s gas pedal got stuck, which caused the crash. However, investigators noted that he could not clearly explain what happened and often said he did not remember key details — including whether anyone else was inside the car.
Legal Action and Charges
Allen has been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. Police also said that surveillance footage captured him entering the car and driving away from the Walmart before the crash.
He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 28.
