Bicyclist killed after apparent altercation

Jace Radke

Friday, Feb. 4, 2000 | 11:12 a.m.

A bicyclist was killed Thursday after having an argument with two men in a truck who police believe intentionally ran over the 40-year-old Las Vegas man.

Nicholas J. Klapp was run over by a pickup near Oakey and Rainbow boulevards at 12:40 p.m. Thursday and witnesses told police it wasn't an accident, Lt. Wayne Petersen said.

"It was first called out as a traffic accident but when patrol officers arrived it became pretty apparent that it was a homicide," Petersen said.

Klapp was taken to University Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

Witnesses said Klapp had had an argument with two males in a Ford pickup at the corner of Oakey Boulevard and Santa Margarita Street, before he rode north on Santa Margarita, Petersen said.

The pickup turned right onto Oakey, but then backed up onto Santa Margarita and accelerated toward the victim, Petersen said.

The rear of the pickup struck the victim from behind, throwing him from the bike. The truck then made a U-turn and drove off north on Santa Margarita, Petersen said.

Police are looking for the Ford pickup described as a 1997 or newer model painted metallic green or teal. The truck may have factory chrome wheels and may be damaged along the back and passenger side. Police recovered a passenger side mirror that is believed to have broken off during the collision.

The two men in the truck were both white and possibly in their 20s, Petersen said. The driver was wearing dark glasses and a baseball cap, and the passenger had short dark hair and a light colored shirt.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the truck or its occupants is asked to call police at 229-3521 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.

Klapp's slaying was the 11th homicide in Metro Police's jurisdiction so far this year, compared to six homicides at the same time last year.