Acting NLV police chief, jail official hurt in crash

Cathy Scott

Thursday, July 24, 1997 | 11:02 a.m.

The acting North Las Vegas police chief and the chief of that city's jail were injured in a one-car accident as they headed for a meeting in Ely, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.

A speeding charge was pending against Jose Troncoso, 45, acting chief of police, for excessive speed, said NHP Trooper Steve Harney. His passenger, Ken Elingson, 58, the chief of North Las Vegas' detention center, was in serious condition today at Grover Dills Medical Center in Caliente. Troncoso was treated at the scene.

Elingson may be taken by Flight for Life helicopter to University Medical Center today for treatment, Harney said.

At 11 a.m. Wednesday, Troncoso was driving a 1996 Ford police vehicle eastbound on State Route 322 in the Alamo area 14 miles east of Pioche when the car went out of control, Harney said.

"They were traveling at a high rate of speed in excess of the 55-miles-per-hour limit," Harney said. "We have the speed at 80-plus mph."

Troncoso lost control of the vehicle as he negotiated a turn, Harney said. The car skidded counterclockwise, spinning around into the opposite travel lane. It struck two mile markers, hit a dirt embankment and rolled over, ending up on its wheels. Troncoso and Elingson had to be cut out of the car, Harney said. They were wearing seat belts.