Owner of truck used in bicyclist killing identified

Keith Paul

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000 | 11:13 a.m.

Metro Police this morning identified the owner of the truck used in a hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist two weeks ago, hoping to find someone who can identify who was driving the truck.

The truck's owner, Lance Dunn, 23, has refused to talk with police since 40-year-old Nicholas J. Klapp was hit by Dunn's pickup near the corner of Santa Margarita Street and Oakey Boulevard about 12:40 p.m. on Feb. 2.

"We're asking the public to help us identify Dunn's associates, particularly who he was with on that day," Sgt. Ken Hefner of Metro's homicide unit said.

Dunn has not been charged with any crime. The day after Klapp's death, Dunn's attorney called police surrendering the truck, homicide Lt. Wayne Petersen said. Dunn has not been identified as the driver of the truck at the time of the accident, but Hefner said he matches witnesses' description of the driver.

Witnesses also told police there was a passenger in the truck at the time of the incident, but that man has not come forward.

"There's only one driver. The passenger is not in any trouble right now. We do need him to come forward and identify the driver," Hefner said.

Dunn, who lives near the site of the crash, could not be reached for comment this morning. Dunn's attorney, Peter Christiansen, also could not be reached for comment this morning. Police say the lawyer has told them the incident was an accident, but Christiansen won't say if his client was driving the truck at the time.

"I think if it was an accident, he should have come forward immediately," Petersen said. "Here it is two weeks later and this guy still won't come forward and say if he was driving at the time."

The facts of the case don't necessarily fit with the claim that hitting Klapp was an accident, police say.

"Witnesses said what the driver did appeared very intentional," Petersen said.

Klapp was riding his bicycle on Oakey Boulevard when he was nearly struck by the driver of the pickup, who was at the stop sign on Santa Margarita. Klapp, who was riding against traffic, and the driver apparently exchanged words.

The driver then pulled the truck onto Oakey Boulevard and continued for a short distance, police said. He stopped and backed up -- going the wrong way -- to Santa Margarita. The driver backed around another car stopped at the stop sign and continued toward Klapp, who was pedaling down the street, police said.

"The driver accelerated toward the bicyclist and struck him (from behind) and killed him," Petersen said. "If it was an accident, the driver could have showed some remorse and stopped and helped, but he fled the area."

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Metro's homicide unit at 229-3521 or callers wishing to remain anonymous can call Secret Witness at 385-5555.

Keith Paul covers crime and public safety for the Sun. He can be reached at (702) 259-4057 or by e-mail at keith@lasvegassun.com