Nevada Gov's Security Member Arrested for DUI Crash: Questions Raised on Official Conduct

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In a startling turn of events, a member of Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo's security detail found himself on the wrong side of the law after being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) following a crash. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has raised questions about the conduct and responsibilities of those entrusted with safeguarding public officials.

Kevin Bonilla, aged 28, was taken into custody by Metro police on a misdemeanor DUI charge, according to official records. Reports indicate that Bonilla, who is identified as a Nevada State Police Parole and Probation officer assigned to the security detail, was off-duty and driving his personal vehicle at the time of the incident.

Eyewitnesses to the crash, which involved three vehicles, informed authorities that the driver of a black Dodge Ram, later identified as Bonilla, was observed speeding at around 70 mph and running a red light just before the collision occurred. Further investigation revealed that Bonilla's blood-alcohol level was well above the legal limit, registering at 0.144 on a preliminary breath test, whereas the legal limit in Nevada is 0.08.

During interactions with law enforcement officers, Bonilla initially claimed to be returning home from work but later admitted to having consumed alcohol earlier in the day, suggesting he was coming from a grocery store. Notably, officers detected a strong smell of alcohol emanating from Bonilla's breath while awaiting a blood draw for further testing.

Following his arrest, Bonilla was booked into the Clark County Detention Center, though he was released after paying a surety bond. His probable cause hearing was subsequently canceled. The Department of Public Safety, in response to the incident, placed Bonilla on administrative duty pending the outcome of an investigation.

The circumstances surrounding this DUI arrest have sparked concerns about the integrity and accountability of individuals tasked with ensuring the safety of government officials. While the specific role Bonilla played within the security detail remains unclear, the incident underscores the importance of upholding strict standards of conduct, especially among those entrusted with public service responsibilities.

Efforts to obtain further details from the Department of Public Safety, which oversees the Dignitary Protection Detail, have been met with limited information. At the time of reporting, a booking photo of Bonilla was not available, leaving many unanswered questions regarding the repercussions of his actions.

As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and adherence to ethical standards within law enforcement and security agencies, particularly when it comes to safeguarding the well-being of public officials and maintaining public trust.