Las Vegas Mother Killed by Stray Bullet in Shooting Involving Suspect Allegedly Under Influence of Nitrous Oxide
Karla Abarca, a mother, was fatally shot by a stray bullet while sitting in her truck with her daughter at a red light in Las Vegas. The incident occurred on August 12 at approximately 3:15 p.m. at the intersection of East Bonanza Road and North Lamb Boulevard. Police documents indicate that the shooting was initiated by Francisco Chairez-Hernandez, who was allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as 'whippets,' just minutes before the gunfight. Surveillance footage shows Chairez-Hernandez driving with a large yellow balloon in his hand, actively inhaling the gas. He then confronted Brad Serrano-Gutierrez, believing him to be a masked man who had burglarized his car. The confrontation escalated, leading to an exchange of gunfire, during which Abarca was struck in the head. Chairez-Hernandez later returned to the crime scene, reportedly searching for a ring he lost during the shooting, and was subsequently arrested. 
