Las Vegas Tesla Crash: Club Promoter Faces DUI Charges After Injuring Family of Three
Las Vegas, NV – A local judge has set bail at $100,000 for Gavin Caci, a 28-year-old nightclub promoter, following a devastating crash that left a visiting family from the United Kingdom with serious injuries. Caci is accused of driving under the influence and striking a mother and her two-year-old daughter even as they were walking on a sidewalk near the Las Vegas Strip on February 8, 2026. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about impaired driving in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. This case highlights the potential consequences of driving under the influence and the lasting impact on victims and their families.
The incident occurred around 7:35 p.m. Near the intersection of Harmon Avenue and Audrie Lane, an area frequented by tourists and residents alike. Authorities allege that Caci, driving a Tesla, lost control of the vehicle, mounting the curb and colliding with pedestrians before ultimately crashing into another vehicle. The severity of the injuries sustained by the family has prompted prosecutors to pursue serious charges, including driving under the influence resulting in substantial bodily harm and leaving the scene of a crash. The case is being closely watched by both the local community and legal observers, given the egregious nature of the alleged offenses and the vulnerability of the victims.
Details of the Incident and the Victims’ Injuries
According to court records and police reports, Caci’s vehicle initially swerved onto the sidewalk, striking a Chevrolet before hitting the mother and child. The two-year-old girl was ejected from her stroller and dragged beneath the Tesla until the vehicle collided with a pole. The impact caused critical injuries to the child, who was immediately transported to University Medical Center (UMC) along with her mother. Both suffered brain hemorrhages, according to prosecutors. Luke Sadler, the father, sustained ligament damage and soft tissue injuries to his elbow. The child also suffered a skull fracture and a broken femur and her mother remains unable to walk as of February 20, 2026, according to court filings. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported on the family’s injuries and the subsequent lawsuit filed against Caci and Tesla Lease Trust.
A preliminary blood alcohol content (BAC) test revealed a level of 0.22 percent, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent in Nevada. This high BAC reading, coupled with evidence suggesting Caci attempted to leave the scene of the crash, has strengthened the prosecution’s case. The Tesla involved in the incident was equipped with a dashcam, which authorities say recorded the crash, providing crucial evidence for investigators. 8 News Now reported that the dashcam footage is a key piece of evidence in the case.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Decision
During a bail hearing on February 19, 2026, at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure set Caci’s bail at $100,000. Prosecutors had requested a bail of $1 million, citing the severity of the injuries and the potential flight risk. However, Judge Bonaventure based his decision on a 2020 Nevada Supreme Court ruling that emphasizes bail should be set at an amount sufficient to ensure the defendant’s appearance in court. The judge acknowledged the seriousness of the charges and the compelling evidence presented by the prosecution.
Despite the judge’s decision, Caci remains in custody as of February 22, 2026. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His attorney, Crane Pomerantz, argued that Caci had a prior minor traffic infraction in California in 2019 related to alcohol consumption, but characterized it as a case of reckless driving rather than a DUI. NewsNet5 detailed the arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense during the bail hearing.
Conditions of Release and Upcoming Court Date
If Caci is able to post bail, he will be subject to strict conditions of release. These include continuous GPS electronic monitoring, a continuous alcohol monitoring device, and a curfew restricting his movement. Judge Bonaventure emphasized the gravity of the accusations and the necessitate to ensure public safety. The prosecution has presented what they describe as “contundente evidencia” (compelling evidence) against Caci, suggesting a strong case will be made at trial.
The Sadler family, who were visiting Las Vegas from the United Kingdom, have filed a lawsuit against Caci and Tesla Lease Trust seeking damages for their injuries and suffering. Attorney Al Lasso, representing the family, stated that the crash “has been devastating” and that their lives were irrevocably changed in a matter of seconds. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of both Caci and Tesla Lease Trust. The family continues to receive medical care at UMC, and their recovery is expected to be lengthy and challenging.
The case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 25, 2026, where the court will evaluate the progress of the investigation and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. This hearing will be a crucial step in the legal process, as it will determine the future course of the case and the potential consequences for Gavin Caci. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Sadler family and serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
This incident adds to a growing number of DUI-related cases in Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant nightlife. In a separate, recent case, former NBA player Lamar Odom was arrested for DUI, allegedly driving 41 miles per hour over the speed limit. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating impaired driving and protecting the public from the devastating consequences of such reckless behavior.
Key Takeaways
- Gavin Caci, a Las Vegas nightclub promoter, is accused of driving under the influence and causing serious injuries to a family of three.
- Caci’s BAC was nearly three times the legal limit in Nevada at the time of the crash.
- The victims, a family visiting from the United Kingdom, sustained critical injuries, including brain hemorrhages and a broken femur.
- Caci is currently being held on $100,000 bail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 25, 2026.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the community awaits further updates as the case progresses. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts on this tragic incident in the comments below, and please remember to always drive responsibly.