Metro honors guards

Friday, Jan. 12, 2001 | 11:01 a.m.

Metro Police honored five security guards from Harrah's hotel for their actions during a September struggle with a suspect that left a tourist dead and one of the guards wounded.

Metro Deputy Chief Ray Flynn handed out the awards Thursday at the local security chief's meeting, calling the five security guards and other security officials at Harrah's heroes.

Security guards tried to detain Stephen Mullen while he was in the resort. He had been identified as a possible suspect in a series of thefts in the casino. A struggle ensued when the officers tried to stop him.

Mullen is accused of pulling out a gun and firing two shots during the struggle. One of the shots hit and killed tourist, Heather Vitarelli, who was standing nearby with her back to the struggle.

Security guard Frank Willis was also shot during the incident. He survived his wounds.

Flynn said the officers acted properly and quickly and through their actions prevented additional tragedy.

The security guards honored were: Lt. Bobby Johnson, Sheridan Curtis, Willis, Manny Iverson and David Okamoto.

They were able to apprehend Mullen, who is currently being held in the Clark County jail on murder and other charges. A second suspect, Michael Frimmel, was also apprehended.