Slain man suspected of starting shootout

Keith Paul

Monday, Feb. 4, 2002 | 9:51 a.m.

A 21-year-old man killed in a gun battle inside a bar was suspected of starting the gang-related shootout that also wounded six other people early Saturday, Metro Police said.

Police said at least 30 shots were fired during the gunfight that spilled out of the bar and into the parking lot of the strip mall about 3 a.m. Saturday.

Ricky N. Williams of Las Vegas died shortly after arriving at University Medical Center after the battle at the Runway 21 Lounge on Craig Road near Nellis Boulevard.

Detectives suspect Williams went into the bar looking for rival gang members over a previous dispute.

"We know the fight started inside the bar, and it would appear that the only one to die was the one who initiated the fight," said Lt. Tom Monahan of Metro's homicide unit.

Five other men were hit by gunshots, and a woman was cut on her face, probably by flying glass. A 20-year-old man shot in the back was listed in fair condition this morning at UMC. The other men -- 21, 19 and two 29 years old -- were treated and released over the weekend. The woman was also treated and released.

The shots started inside the bar and continued outside along the strip mall where the lounge is located, police said.

"We know that multiple people were shooting," Monahan said. "We recovered six handguns from people that night, and our lab is trying to see if any of those weapons match the shell casings found."

Monahan said detectives do not know if the guns recovered were involved in the shootings.

"It is possible that guns used in the shootings were not found and taken away from the area by suspects," he said.

No suspects had been arrested as of this morning.

Williams' slaying is the 12th homicide so far this year in Metro's jurisdiction compared with 21 at the same point last year.

In 2000, a security guard at the Runway 21 Lounge was killed after escorting a group of men out of the bar following an argument. The gunman fired at the guard, Ryan Frisco, and hit four others, who recovered from their wounds.com